K D Salalia
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project stands as a monumental achievement in India’s railway history, weaving through the majestic landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir. As this engineering marvel connects regions and communities, it presents a unique opportunity to intertwine the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Reasi district into its very fabric. This proposal advocates for the integration of local deities, historical figures, and cultural land marks into the railway infrastructure, ensuring that the journey is not just physical but also a soulful traverse through the region’s legacy.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure development, technological innovation, and cultural preservation. His unwavering commitment to connecting the diverse regions of the country through transformative projects-such as the USBRL-reflects a deep understanding of India’s heritage and future. The focus on sustainable growth, inclusive development, and honouring India’s spiritual and cultural ethos inspires initiatives that harmonize modernity with tradition, making the nation’s journey toward progress truly holistic and inspiring.
Rishi Vasuki Tunnel System/ Corridor
The tunnel complex between Udhampur and Baramulla may be named the ‘Rishi Vasuki Tunnel Corridor’ paying homage to Vasuki Nag-regarded as the king of serpents and the son of Rishi Kashyapa and Kadru-who holds a prominent place in the religious and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, and is deeply associated with the region’s ancient Nag heritage
Deva Maai Temple and Respect to the Local Deity
Located approximately 3.5 km south of Nomai, the Deva Maai Temple holds profound religious significance for pilgrims on their journey to the Vaishno Devi Shrine. As per Hindu religious texts, the Kol Kandoli Temple at Nagrota near Jammu is recognized as the first Darshan of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji pilgrimage.
Following this tradition, Deva Maai is considered the second Darshan, especially during earlier times when the pilgrimage was under taken entirely on foot. The subsequentDarshans along the sacred route are as follows:
* Charan Paduka Temple -third Darshan
* Adh Kunwari -fourth Darshan
* Bhawan- fifth Darshan
* Bhairav Dev Ji Temple-at Bhairav Ghati -the final Darshan
Revered by both pilgrims and the local populace, the Deva Maai Temple is a vital spiritual landmark that reflects the deep-rooted faith and traditions of the region.
To honor its cultural and religious importance, it is suggested that the southern section of the Katra Railway Station be dedicated to Deva Maai. This initiative aims to symbolize the
Deep spiritual connection of the community and preserve the rich heritage associated with the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Railway Bridge Over Ballini Nala-Dedication to Baba Jitto
The railway bridge spanning Ballini Nala, situated between Tunnel No. 31 and Tunnel No. 32, offers an apt opportunity to honour Baba Jitto-a legendary local hero who sacrificed his life advocating for farmers’ rights. Naming this bridge after Baba Jitto would immortalize his legacy, highlighting the values of justice and selfless service that he embodied.
Anji Khad Bridge-A Living Tribute to Maa Vaishno Devi
and Reasi’s Historical Legacy
The Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, is not only an engineering marvel but also a symbolic landmark in the spiritual landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Spanning725.5 meters and soaring 331meters above the riverbed, this bridge is apivotal link in the USBRL project. Strategically located just beneath the sacred Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills, the bridge resonates with devotional and cultural significance.
It is recommended that this iconic structure be named the “Maa Vaishno Devi Bridge.” This would honour the divine grace of the goddess, venerated by millions of pilgrims annually, and embed the spiritual energy of the Trikuta Hills into the identity of the bridge.
Additionally, this dedication would forge a meaningful connection between the Trikuta Hills and the historic Bhim Bhumi of Raja Bhim Dev Rasyal-the 8th-centurys over eign whose name gave rise to “Reasi”(from “Rasyal”). Thus, the bridge would not merely be steel and concrete, but a symbolic link between eras, energies, and ethos.
A Towering Tribute to General Zorawar Singh
The majestic Chenab Rail Bridge, standing at an awe-inspiring 359 meters above the riverbed and spanning 1,315 meters, holds the distinction of being the highest railway bridge in the world. Nestled in the Reasi district, this monumental structure is not only an engineering feat but a symbol of national determination and vision.
It is suggested that this architectural wonder be dedicated to General ZorawarSingh-the legendary Dogra commander whose daring expeditions across the Himalayan frontiers earned him eternal reverence. From the icyplains of Ladakh to the heights of the Taklakot in West Tibet (approx. 15,000 feet), where he ultimately laid down his life, General Singh exemplified valour, strategic brilliance, and unmatched perseverance.
Naming the Chenab Bridge in his honour would align the towering height of the structure with the towering legacy of a national hero, inspiring future generations with the enduring spirit of Himalayan resolve and patriotic pride.
Bakkal Railway Station and Surrounding Local Deities
The Bakkal Railway Station is situated amidst spiritually significant sites such as Dhol Devta (approx. 400 meters {aerial distance} to the right)and Chenana Devsthan (around 7km {aerial distance} to the left). To honour these local deities:
* Dhol Devta: A footbridge or pathway near the station can be named “Dhol Devta Pathway,” acknowledging the deity’s role in local spiritual life.
*Chenana Devta: A section of the station-such as a platform shelter or seating area-can be symbolically marked in honour of Chenana Devta, enhancing cultural identity and community pride.
Under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the beautification and preservation of spiritual sites-such as Deva Maai Mandir, Baba Jitto Mandir, Nau Devi Temple, Baba Dhansar, Bidda Baba, Dhol Devta, and Devta Chenana in Salal-can be facilitated. These actions will improve pilgrim amenities and strengthen the continuity of faith traditions along/ near the railway route.
Beautification Using Tunnel Muck from Katra to Sangaldan
Tunnel excavation from Katra to Sangaldan yields considerable muck. Instead of traditional disposal, this material can be repurposed for beautification:
* Landscaping: Leveling and dressing the muck along both track sides, followed by planting greenery, would enhance the region’s visual appeal.
Eco-Tourism: These green belts could be transformed into eco-tourism zones, promoting sustainability and attracting visitors.
Such initiatives not only improve the landscape but also support ecological balance and rural tourism.
Cultural Markers and Spiritual Motifs
Along the Katra-Srinagar Corridor
To further enrich the cultural landscape of the USBRL route, especially from Katra to Srinagar, it is proposed to install spiritual and cultural markers at key locations-such as near Katra, Reasi, Bakkal, Kouri, and Sangaldan.
Suggested forms include:
* Artistic murals of local Devi-Devtas and Sthan Devtas
* Descriptive panels on regional beliefs and traditions
* Sculptures of sages or spiritual emblems
* Indigenous floral mot ifs and symbolic carvings in station architecture
These installations can be developed through Railways, government schemes, or allocations from railway heritage funds. They will offer pilgrims and tourists an immersive cultural and spiritual journey.
* Precedents of Culturally Integrated Infrastructure
India has a strong tradition of naming infrastructure after spiritual and national icons:
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai)
* Veer Kunwar Singh Station (Bihar)
* Maharana Pratap Nagar (Bhopal)
* Bhavani Junction(Tamil Nadu)
* Raja Bhoj Airport and Railway Station (Bhopal)
* Kali Mata Station (Haryana)
Similarly, Uttarakhand integrates spirituality into public spaces through symbolic names such as Baba Gorakhnath, Kunjapuri Devi, and Nanda Devi. Reasi district and the Shivalik-Himalayan corridor deserve a comparable spiritually aligned design approach.
Conclusion
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is not merely a feat of modern engineering-it is a sacred corridor that traverses a landscape long revered by generations. The region it crosses is steeped in spiritual significance, blessed by Devis, Devtas, and ancient saints. Every hill, riverbed, and valley resonates with the echoes of devotion and centuries-old reverence.
For the local communities, many of these sites have been sacred for generations. It is believed that any in advertent disturbance to their subtle eco logical or spiritual energies may have contributed to unexplained delays in the project’s execution-delays that defy purely technical reasoning.
By consciously honoring these divine presences-through symbolic dedications and culturally sensitive design-this monumental project invokes harmony with the land and respect for the unseen forces that influence our world. When reverence is integrated into development, nature itself aligns to support the journey toward completion.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has stead fastly honored India’s spiritual and cultural heritage while propelling it into anewera, this proposal seeks to make the USBRL a living testament to inclusive progress. It envisions railway line that does more than connect geographic locations-it bridges modernity and tradition, science and spirituality, human effort and divine grace.
As trains begin their long-awaited journey through these spiritually vibrant corridors, they will carry not only passengers, but also the prayers, pride, and blessings of an entire civilization. In doing so, they will renew the legacy of the Dogra heart land and the sacred soul of Kashmir, uniting the past and future on a track guided by both purpose and faith.
(The author is Retired Executive Engineer)
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