Jammu: A high-level team of the Indian Railways on Friday conducted a comprehensive safety and technical inspection of rail bridges over the Ravi river on the Kathua–Madhopur section of the Jammu division, officials said.
The inspection was led by divisional railway manager Vivek Kumar, commissioner of railway safety Dinesh Chand Deshwal, and chief administrative officer for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project Alok Mishra.
Officials said the detailed inspection focused on a critical rail bridge spanning the Ravi river between Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Madhopur in Punjab. The primary objective was to assess ongoing repair work on rail bridge number 17, which had sustained damage due to heavy rainfall in 2025, they said.
During the visit, officials carried out an in-depth analysis of key structural and safety parameters, including the condition of pillars and foundations of the bridge.
Given the strategic importance of the route connecting Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, particular emphasis was laid on evaluating its load-bearing capacity and long-term stability, they said.
The team also reviewed track geometry, the condition of sleepers on and around the bridge, and the functioning of modern signalling systems to ensure safe train operations.
The commissioner of railway safety inspected equipment and emergency response mechanisms available at the site and directed engineers to remain prepared for the upcoming monsoon season and other weather-related challenges.
