Passenger coach upgradation in Kashmir Valley will be completed by 31 August: Center: Center: Center

New Delhi, July 27: Upgradation works of passenger coaches in Kashmir Valley will be completed by 31 August and all rakes in service will be rebuilt and upgraded within this deadline, Indian Railways said on Sunday.
The Railway Ministry said in a statement that with the inauguration of Jammu-Srinagar railway line and ongoing upgradation works, it will provide a new lifeline to Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link project on 6 June 2025 along with Chenab and Fix Bridge. It is a historic milestone in establishing connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Jammu.
Vande Bharat Express train between Katra and Srinagar has become an important way of transport on this route.
Until the inauguration of the Jammu-Srinagar rail link, there was no rail connectivity of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the Indian Railway Network. Demu/MEMU rake in Kashmir Valley could not be brought to the workshop for periodic maintenance and upgradation.
“Above and above the new train services, the opening of this line has made a fundamental change in the ability to maintain rail tracks in the Kashmir Valley. Railway Link has enabled the movement of track maintenance machines in the Kashmir Valley. Maintenance is now being done with modern machines, unlike the first manual maintenance. It is a poverty for significant improvement in track quality,”
Tracks are being upgraded across the country. In early 2025, 78 percent of India’s tracks have been upgraded to 110 kmph or more. This number was only 39 percent in 2014.
The ministry said, “This high ratio should be seen in the light of the total length of the tracks in the last decade. The total length of the tracks in 2014 to 2025 has exceeded 1 lakh km in the total length of the tracks.”
“We will improve the quality of the track by significantly upgrade track techniques and maintenance practices. Modern track fittings, use of track machines, ultra sound fracture detection machines, road cum railway vehicles, and integrated track measurement machines will make our track maintenance scientist,” Union Minister, said Ashwini Vaishnav.
He said, “AI will be used extensively in detecting defects. These technical changes will greatly improve the condition of working for the track maintenance employees.” (Agencies)