Restoration work on a crucial railway bridge between Kathua and Madhopur was completed on Saturday, paving the way for the resumption of train services that had been suspended following damage caused by floods last year.
The restoration of Bridge No. 17, located between Kathua and Madhopur in Punjab, has been completed. Following the completion of repairs, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northern Railway, Dinesh Chand Deshwal conducted a detailed safety inspection and speed trial of the bridge. Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, Vivek Kumar, along with other senior railway officials, was present during the inspection.
After a thorough assessment, the CRS approved the bridge for train operations.
During August and September last year, heavy rainfall and flooding led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Ravi river. The strong current partially damaged one of the bridge pillars, forcing railway authorities to suspend train operations on the section as a precautionary measure.
“Immediately after the floods, Railways launched restoration work on a war footing. The damaged pillar was reconstructed with a stronger foundation. Girders, the deck slab and railway tracks were also replaced. After the repair work was completed, the CRS examined the bridge’s structural strength, track alignment and flood safety measures. The bridge was also tested by running an engine at different speeds,” an official statement said.
Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar said the repair work was completed within a short period despite challenging conditions.
“Our team completed the restoration work in a very short time under difficult circumstances. Following CRS approval, trains on this route will now operate at normal speeds,” he said.
The bridge forms a vital part of the Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor. Its restoration is expected to benefit both passenger and freight services operating to and from Jammu and Kashmir. Pilgrims travelling to Jammu and Katra will also benefit from improved connectivity.
Railway officials said the reopening of the bridge will help ensure timely train operations and facilitate the smooth running of special trains during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the summer travel season.
Several trains that had been cancelled due to the disruption will resume services from early June, including trains numbered 12207/12208, 14611/14612, 19107/19108, 22705/22706, 12549/12550, 19415/19416, 20847/20848 and 20985/20986.
Other services, including trains 12265, 14503/14504, 22401/22402 and 22431/22432, are scheduled to resume operations from June 15.
