LONGEST tunnel between Banihal and Quazigund becoming popular

Ferozepur, July 12, 2013:  The recent new train started between Banihal and Quazigund in Kashmir, at a cost of Rs.1,672 crore, falling under the Ferozepur Rail Division has become popular among the Kashmiris as the people of the area are showing their keen interest to see the 11.2 KMs longest tunnel of the country.

The 17.7 rail link from Banihal in Jammu to Quazigund (Kashmir) a project of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramullah Rail Link (USBRL) having the longest tunnel in the country, is a part of the UPA’s flagship and eventually linking Kashmir to the rest of India. The train was inaugurated on June 25, by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present.

As per the sources, there is too much rush on the ticket windows to get the ticket on this route and people are not refraining themselves from traveling on the roofs of the train. The running of two trains on this route is being felt short of compartments, keeping in view the rush on this route.  The people are interested to enjoy the natural beauty of the valley while boarding the train.  The railway authorities are finding it difficult to control the situation at the railway station.

According to the railway officials, with the increase in the passengers on this route, the income as compared to the last few days have increased from Rs.1.5 lakhs to Rs.3 lakhs which is a record business in the railways.

DRM Northern Railway Division, Ferozepur Naresh Chander Goyal has also admitted that there is no doubt that trains between Banihal and Quazigund has become popular because of falling of longest tunnel of the country on this route.