Railways in Jammu and Kashmir – A Changing Plan
An overview of what government officials said
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously spoke to queries from Members of Parliament on railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir at an inquiry in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament. The main news is as follows:
1. The 480-kilometer Srinagar-Kargil-Leh: train project, which was estimated to cost Rs 55,896 crore (more than 55,000 crore rupees) when it was reviewed in 2016–17, has been cancelled. However, because there wouldn’t be enough people or cargo to justify the expense, the government decided to skip it.
2. Jammu-Poonch Line Stalled: The projected price of a 223-kilometer line that would connect Jammu to Poonch via Akhnoor and Rajouri was Rs 22,771 crore. Additionally, because not enough individuals would employ this plan, it has been put on hold.
3. Five New Surveys Started: The government is now studying five new railway lines:Baramulla to Uri (46 km)
- Sopore to Kupwara (37 km)
- Anantnag to Pahalgam (78 km)
- Avantipore to Shopian (28 km)
- Doubling the Banihal-Baramulla line (118 km)
4. Future Updates:
- The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line (489 km), costing Rs 1,31,000 crore, is moving forward because the Ministry of Defence says it’s important for security.
- The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is fully done, connecting many areas.
- Rajouri and Poonch still don’t have railway lines, and there’s no rush to build them.
The minister explained that railway projects depend on how many people will use them, how much money is available, and if they make sense financially. Problems like getting land, protecting forests, bad weather, and security issues also slow things down.
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Why Was the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Line Dropped?
It sounded fascinating the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh train route. It would have crossed some of the most difficult mountains in India to link Kargil and Leh (in Ladakh) with Srinagar (in the Kashmir Valley). However, the government discovered two significant issues after researching it:
Too Expensive: It will cost Rs 55,896 crore to build 480 kilometers of tracks over high mountains, which is more than the total cost of several other projects.
Low Demand: The train would not be used by enough individuals or companies to justify the expense. Despite its beauty, Ladakh is a rural area where most products are transported by plane or road.
This ruling indicates the government’s careful spending. Spending billions on a railway that won’t benefit enough people is something they don’t want. They’re concentrating on lesser businesses instead.
What is the condition of the five new surveys?
The government’s ongoing loyalty to the railroads in Jammu & Kashmir is demonstrated by the five new railway surveys. These projects might link more towns and villages and are shorter.
- Baramulla-Uri (46 km): Trade and security could benefit from Uri’s near to Pakistan’s Line of Control.
- Sopore to Kupwara: It is 37 kilometers from, district in north Kashmir. A railway could promote commerce and travel.
- Pahalgam: a popular destination for travelers, is 78 kilometers from Anantnag. The local economy may benefit from extra visitors brought in by a train.
- Avantipore-Shopian: Shopian is known for its apples and is 28 kilometers away. Farmers might sell their fruit more quickly if there was a railway.
- Expanding the Banihal-Baramulla route: (118 km) will allow more trains to operate, cutting down on delays and delivering greater numbers of travelers.
The Significance of Railways in Jammu and Kashmir
India’s other regions are not like Jammu and Kashmir. It is difficult to develop and maintain roads because of its mountains, harsh winters, and border regions. The following issues can be resolved by railroads:
- Easy Travel: Trains are less expensive and safer than autos or buses on the curving mountain roads.
- The ability of farmers, merchants, and travelers to transport people and products more quickly would boost the economy.
- Security: Army personnel and supplies are swiftly moved via rail lines close to borders.
There are difficulties, though. It is slow and expensive to build rails in mountains. Obtaining land is difficult, and woods must be preserved. Work is also occasionally delayed by the region’s law-and-order problems.
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Strategic Lines and Missed Opportunities in the Larger Picture
One project that’s moving ahead is the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line. At 489 kilometers and Rs 1,31,000 crore, it’s a giant plan. The Ministry of Defence supports it because Leh is close to China and Pakistan. A railway there could help soldiers and supplies reach faster, making it a “strategic line.” This shows that security can sometimes push a project forward, even if it’s expensive.
Meanwhile, areas like Rajouri and Poonch are left out. These districts are far from big cities and need better connections. The Jammu-Poonch line, at Rs 22,771 crore, was studied but dropped for low demand. People there might feel ignored, but the government says it’s about numbers—how many will ride the train and how much it costs.
What Can People Expect?
For now, the completed Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a big win. It connects Jammu to the Kashmir Valley, letting people travel from Udhampur to Srinagar and Baramulla by train. It’s already helping tourists, workers, and families. The doubling of the Banihal-Baramulla section will make it even better by adding more trains.
The new surveys could bring railways to places like Pahalgam and Kupwara in the future. But don’t expect quick results. Surveys take time, and then the government needs money and approvals to start building. Areas like Rajouri, Poonch, and Ganderbal might wait longer since no plans are in place for them yet.
How This Affects You
If you live in Jammu and Kashmir or plan to visit, here’s what this news means:
- Travelers: The USBRL is ready to use, and new lines might open in 5-10 years if surveys go well.
- Farmers and Businesses: Places like Shopian and Sopore could get railways, making it easier to sell goods.
- Tourists: A train to Pahalgam could make trips to this scenic spot cheaper and faster.
For people in Ladakh or Poonch, though, there’s no railway coming soon. Roads and flights will remain the main options.
A Practical Approach to Railways
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