Viral video: Truth behind social media rumours about 100-tunnel train route in Assam, Manipur
If you are an avid social media user, chances are that you have seen a viral video about the longest train being operated on a 100-tunnel train route. Several posts on Facebook and Whatsapp have claimed that the breathtaking visuals of the never-ending train have been taken from a new train route in Assam and Manipur.
When India TV team investigated the video, it found out that even though the claims were fake the reality of the Manipur railway line is equally exciting.
The social media posts had claimed that the train loop shown in the video was situated in Noney region of Manipur. India TV sent a team to Noneny to check the reality. The tunnel was there but no railway track.
The truth is India is building a remarkable 111-kilometre long railway line which will connect Manipur's Imphal to national rail network. Known as the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line, the route will have 47 tunnels and 131 bridges.
After the completion of the line, the picturesque Manipuri village Noney will be transformed into a major tourism hub as it will boast of the longest train tunnel in India and highest girder bridge in the world.
Also read | Construction of world's tallest railway bridge begins in Manipur
The work for 10.28 killometre is well underway. Our team found out that 60 per cent work on the bridge and tunnel has been completed and construction team is optimistic of finishing the project within the deadline of 2020.
The bridge, known as Bridge No.164, will be 141 metres high, which is twice as high as Delhi's Qutub Minar. It is being built across the valley of river Ijai near Noney and has been designed to take a maximum train speed of 160 kmph. Furthermore, the bridge is located in Seismic Zone-V, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. According to project in-charge, a “site-specific design spectrum had been developed to ensure long-term stability of the bridge.” State-of-the-art techniques will be used to also check landslides due to heavy rains or earthquakes. All these techniques are being used for the first time in the North-East.
Once the track is completed, the village will be developed as a tourism hub. The government plans to beautify the tunnel and the bridge as well as develop a vantage point for the tourists to enjoy the view of the train leaving the tunnel, crossing the river on the tallest bridge and crisscrossing the Himalayan valley. There are plans to develop house tourism in Noneny village to give an economic boost in the region.
Sanctioned by the Modi Government in 2014, the entire project is being undertaken at a fast pace. According to the construction team at Noney, 40 per cent of the entire line has been built and the project will be completed on time.
Where's the viral video from:
The viral video being shared on social media as the Indian Railway in Asssam or Manipur is actually of the United States' historic Tehachapi Loop, which connects San Francisco to California. A part of the Union Pacific Railroad, the loop was built at the end of 19th century and supports at least 40 trains in a day.
Watch video:
