North By Northwest

The Tawi Valley, seen from a DMU between JAT and Bajalata.

This is a fairly scenic section, though in June the hills were dry and dusty

Another nice lineside scene. Photo by B Vohra

This section will delight bridge and viaduct enthusiasts, though I wonder why they have those lights on this particular bridge - security perhaps? By B Vohra

And tunnel walkers will have a field day. Most are well lit and the longest is about 2.4 km. The sequence: tunnel-viaduct over yawning chasm -tunnel occurs frequently

The famous Gambhir Bridge, which is some 65-70 m above the bed of the Ringal Khad, making it the highest bridge on this section.

Cab eye view of the Gambhir Bridge - the only covered bridge between JAT & UDH. By B Vohra

After finally crossing the Tawi,the line remains for a great distance on this viaduct. By B Vohra

Looking back - the Tawi Bridge is clearly discernible from the viaduct. By B Vohra

The almost perpendicular approach to the Dudhar Bridge. By B Vohra

Udhampur Station and yard - most passengers prefer to alight at the previous station - Ramnagar Road

In the hills one can never tell where the new alignment will appear. This is just beyond UHP, the building is the construction office. By B Vohra

The entrance to the problematic Tunnel No. 1, the first major tunnel after Udhampur. By B Vohra

Tunnel No. 1 has a "heaving" problem, where forces in the earth cause the walls and floor to bulge inwards

These steel arch supports have popped out of their grooves. By B Vohra

Chakarwaha station yard under construction, this will be the only crossing station betwen Udhampur and Katra

Looking towards Katra from Chakarwaha

This temple stood bang on the new alignment. Northern Railway Construction has built a new one for the village. Even so, it had to be taken down under police protection later, we were told.

Looking back down the line from the top of Tunnel No. 3 towards Udhampur - the obstinate temple is visible.

Major Tunnel No. 3, which was still being dug out in June (since completed). The pipe carries fresh air to the tunnel head, where most of the equipment works on diesel. Other material like concrete is sent down from the roof through long bore holes. By B

The business end of Tunnel 3. Long pipes are inserted into the soil forming a frame, the earth is removed and support arches inserted. At least that's how I understood it!

Workers move a steel support arch into place. The air pipe is just visible on the left. While everyone else looked comfortable, the diesel fumes were a bit much for us.

The worker ants of tunnelling machinery - the Porclain, hope I got the spelling right!

A welder remains busy as a support arch is put into place. By B Vohra

Gumboots are a must in the tunnel, along with hard hats.

View from the top of the Katra end of Tunnel 3 - a bridge, followed immediately by Tunnel 4

A smooth alignment is very much a hands-on process!