Srinagar: AGE-Patel Engineering, which is currently implementing the Rs 2,377 crore tunnelling project for Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd and IRCON today announced that the company has completed highest concrete lining for T-2 tunnel for on Katra-Banihal section) for the Udhampur-Srinagar- Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
As on August 31, 2021, the project had achieved a total concrete lining of 775 metric tonnes from two faces of main tunnels of T-2, which is a landmark record in the construction industry in the country. It has completed Face 1 (Main Tunnel) – 375 m, 30 Gantries of 12.5 m each (1 Traveller & 1 Shutter) with average cycle time of 23.20 hours per gantry. While Face 2 – 400 m, 32 Gantries of 12.5 m each (1 Traveller & 1 Shutter) with average cycle time of 22.50 hours per gantry.
AGE Patel Engineering – a joint venture company – is currently implementing these two projects, which includes construction of tunnel T-2 and T-15, (part tunnel T-14 including bridge no. 61 on Katra-Banihal section) on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
AGE Construction and Trading Inc is a well-known Turkish construction company while Patel Engineering is a civil engineering firm involved in design and construction of power projects, hydroelectric projects, commercial building, industrial complexes, dams, tunnels, underground structures, irrigation projects, steel and concrete structures, bridges, marine works, flyovers and national highways in India and abroad.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) connect Kashmir with the rest of the country will be completed by next year and will facilitate ease of transport for the people of Jammu & Kashnir. The 272 km railway line is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 28,000 crore by the Northern Railway. The first section connecting Udhampur to Katra and the third section between Banihal and Baramulla have been completed and are operational. Work on the intervening 111 km section Katra-Banihal, the most arduous and treacherous portion due to its geology and extensive riverine system replete with deep gorges is ongoing. Most of the rail track is slated to be in tunnels or bridges in this section.

KR Desk