SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
JAMMU, June 25
In a significant development towards connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari via an extensive rail network, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department on Monday approved the establishment of General Railway Police (GRP) infrastructure along the Reasi-Banihal rail section. This initiative includes the deployment of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), two Deputy Superintendents of Police (SDPOs), four railway police stations, and four railway police outposts.
In addition to the security measures, a regional signal center will be set up in Katra. Currently, the rail network within Jammu and Kashmir is fully operational on the Jammu-Udhampur-Katra and Banihal-Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla routes. The only missing link is the stretch between Katra-Reasi and Banihal, where construction work is in its final stages.
Trial runs are already underway on the Reasi-Banihal section, while work continues on the Reasi-Katra segment. Once the Reasi-Katra section is completed, uninterrupted rail service from Kashmir to Kanyakumari will be operational, marking a milestone in India’s rail connectivity.
Authorities have initiated the process of setting up the necessary infrastructure for the Katra-Reasi-Banihal railway section to ensure that there are no logistical challenges once the railway operations commence. This section is considered extremely crucial and sensitive, necessitating special security arrangements. To this end, an additional GRP Superintendent position and office have been sanctioned at Sangaldan, with headquarters in Sangaldan, Ramban district.
The GRP will play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of this critical rail link. A senior officer said, “We have approved the creation of key positions and offices for the GRP in Sangaldan and Banihal to enhance the security and operational efficiency of this section.” Specifically, the new positions include an SDPO for GRP at Sangaldan and another at Banihal, along with their respective offices.
The Reasi-Banihal section, once operational, is expected to boost connectivity and economic activity in the region, providing a seamless rail link from the northernmost to the southernmost part of India. This rail link is not only an engineering marvel but also a strategic asset, necessitating robust security and efficient management.
As the nation anticipates the completion of this ambitious project, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s proactive steps in establishing the required security and operational infrastructure highlight their commitment to ensuring safe and smooth rail travel across this challenging terrain. The operationalization of this section will be a testament to India’s engineering prowess and strategic planning, fostering greater integration and development across regions.
