Railway officers take stock of repair of Madhopur bridge

Reiterating their commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure and ensuring the highest standards of passenger safety, a detailed and high-level inspection of the critical Rail Bridge No. 17—situated over the Ravi River between the Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir) and Madhopur (Punjab) rail sections—was conducted today, April 24. The inspection was led by Vivek Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Jammu Division; Dinesh Chand Deshwal, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northern Railway; and Alok Mishra, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) projects.

The primary objective of this inspection was to take stock of the ongoing repair works on Rail Bridge No. 17, which had sustained damage due to heavy rainfall in 2025.

During the inspection, special attention was paid to key technical and safety parameters. The officials conducted an in-depth analysis of the current condition of the pillars and foundations of Bridge No. 17. Given that this bridge is situated on a strategically vital route connecting the borders of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, its load-bearing capacity and long-term structural stability were examined with meticulous detail.

During the inspection, the officials highlighted the significance of this rail section from a comprehensive perspective. They issued directives to ensure that any pending technical works on the bridge are completed as expeditiously as possible—and in strict adherence to international standards—to maintain the continuity of rail services connecting the Kashmir Valley.

The inspection also included an assessment of the track geometry and the condition of sleepers both on the bridge structure itself and in its immediate vicinity. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the testing of modern signaling systems to ensure that train operations remain completely safe, even at high speeds. The Commissioner of Railway Safety reviewed the safety equipment and rescue mechanisms available on the bridge for handling emergency situations. He issued strict instructions to the engineers present at the site to remain prepared for the monsoon season and other weather-related challenges.

Senior officials and staff members of the Jammu Division were also present during the inspection.