Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Sept 15: In a parallel development ahead of Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) visit for final clearance of the track, the office of Divisional Railway Manager, Ferozpur has accorded permission for the opening of Udhampur-Katra section for passenger traffic.
Giving the formal permission, the Ferozpur Division has notified the Station names on Udhampur-Katra section, their alphabetical and numerical code names besides detailing the kilometer charges between these new stations, official sources informed the Excelsior.
With this, the parallel process for required formalities to chug the train on Udhampur-Katra section has been set into motion, sources added.
According to the letter of permission, written by Divisional Rail Manager, Ferozpur to all the concerned officers in Ferozpur division, there will be only one station between Udhampur and Katra Stations.
The station on way from Udhampur to Katra, is Chak Rakhwal with Alphabetical code CRWL and numerical code 03201024, situated under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rehamble and Post Office Garh Rehamble, says the notification.
The second and last station on the section has been formally designated as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with alphabetical code name SMVK and numerical code 03201025.
The kilometer charges from Udhampur to Chak Rakhwal and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Station are 9.30 and 24.81, respectively. From Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to Chak Rakhwal Station, the kilometer charge is 15.51, the notification further says.
With the issuance of this formal notification granting permission for opening of passenger traffic on Udhampur-Katra section, the parallel process has been set into motion for the required formalities before chugging of the train on this rail line, which is already completed and awaiting clearance by the Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS).
Granting permission for opening of the section for passenger traffic, the Divisional Rail Manager, in his letter, has also directed the officers concerned to take required action in this regard.
The process for opening of booking counters, allotment of vendor stalls and recruitment of coolies for Udhampur-Katra rail section is also on, sources informed.
Pertinent to mention that work on laying of track and allied work in tunnel TI and T3 near Jakheni is completed and the Commissioner Railway Safety has been approached for inspection of the project and issuance of a formal certificate for final clearance to chug the train on Udhampur-Katra rail line.
The completion of Udhampur-Katra rail line has already jumped several deadlines owing to various complications, particularly seeping of water in the tunnels T1 and T3. The 25 kilometer line consists of 38 bridges while its 43 percent portion is covered by tunnels.
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