Srinagar: The Union government has announced that five new railway surveys are currently being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir. However, several crucial projects remain stalled due to financial constraints and feasibility issues. These surveys aim to expand railway connectivity in the region, providing better transport solutions to residents and addressing strategic needs.
Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Rail Project Dropped: Responding to a query by MP Mohmad Haneefa in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the much-anticipated Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail project had been scrapped. The primary reasons cited for this decision were the high costs associated with the project and the low anticipated traffic demand. A feasibility survey conducted in 2016-17 estimated the cost of the 480-km project at approximately ₹55,896 crore. Due to the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions, the project was deemed economically unviable. Despite the strategic importance of the route, which would have improved connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, the low projected passenger and freight traffic could not justify the massive expenditure.
Jammu-Poonch Railway Line On Hold: Similarly, the proposed Jammu-Poonch railway line has been placed on hold due to feasibility concerns. While this route was seen as crucial for improving connectivity to border districts, the government has not yet found it viable to move forward with the project. A survey was conducted for a Jammu-Poonch rail link via Akhnoor and Rajouri, covering a total distance of 223 km. The estimated cost for this project was ₹22,771 crore, but due to low traffic projections, it has not been moved forward. The region has been demanding railway connectivity for a long time, as it would significantly improve economic opportunities and ease transportation in the hilly terrain.
Banihal-Baramulla Rail Line Expansion Prioritized: Amidst these setbacks, the doubling of the Banihal-Baramulla railway line has been identified as a priority project. The government aims to improve railway infrastructure in this region to enhance connectivity and transportation efficiency. The Banihal-Baramulla railway line is a critical part of the Kashmir Valley railway network. Currently, the line covers 118 km, connecting Banihal in Jammu division to Baramulla in north Kashmir. The doubling of this rail line will allow more trains to operate, reducing congestion and improving service efficiency. This expansion is expected to boost economic activities, improve freight movement, and enhance the overall railway infrastructure in the region.
No Plans For G’bal-Kargil Rail Link: The Railway Minister also clarified that there are no immediate plans to conduct a survey for a railway link between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh. This decision comes despite the strategic importance of the region, reinforcing the government’s stance that railway projects are sanctioned based on traffic demand, operational requirements, and financial feasibility rather than specific territorial considerations. A railway connection between Ganderbal and Kargil would have provided a direct link between the two regions, reducing travel time and improving accessibility, particularly in harsh winter months when roads remain blocked due to heavy snowfall. However, the government has yet to consider the project due to the high costs and challenging terrain.
Strategic Importance Of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh Rail Line: The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway project has been recognized as a strategic line by the Ministry of Defence. A survey for this extensive 489-km route has already been completed, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. The estimated cost of this ambitious project stands at ₹1,31,000 crore. This railway line, once completed, will be the world’s highest railway line, surpassing even the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It will significantly improve strategic military mobility in the region, providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, which shares a border with China. The rail line will traverse through challenging mountainous terrain and will require advanced engineering solutions, including multiple tunnels and bridges.
Rajouri, Poonch Remain Unconnected: Addressing railway connectivity in Jammu, Vaishnaw confirmed that Rajouri and Poonch districts remain without railway access. He further clarified that there are no immediate plans to construct a rail link from Reasi-Katra to Rajouri on a priority basis. The people of Rajouri and Poonch have long demanded railway connectivity, citing economic growth and easier travel for residents. A railway line in this region would improve connectivity to the Line of Control (LoC) areas and boost tourism, trade, and defense preparedness. However, the project remains in limbo due to feasibility and funding challenges.
Feasibility, Funding Challenges In Railway Projects: Responding to another query by MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, Vaishnaw reiterated that railway projects are approved based on feasibility studies, projected traffic, and financial viability rather than district or state-based considerations. He also highlighted the importance of factors such as last-mile connectivity, filling missing railway links, socio-economic benefits, and funding availability in determining the approval of railway projects. Additionally, land acquisition challenges, forest clearances, climatic conditions, and law and order situations significantly impact project timelines in Jammu and Kashmir.
New Railway Surveys In J&K: Despite various stalled projects, the government has initiated five new railway surveys to assess potential expansion and connectivity improvements in Jammu and Kashmir. These include:
- Baramulla-Uri New Line (46 km): This proposed railway line aims to improve connectivity in north Kashmir, extending the existing Baramulla railway network to Uri. Uri, being a border town, has strategic importance, and improved connectivity could boost economic activities, facilitate trade, and enhance security infrastructure.
- Sopore-Kupwara New Line (37 km): This project aims to connect Sopore, an important economic hub, with Kupwara, a border district in north Kashmir. The railway line will improve accessibility, boost local industries, and provide better transport options for residents. It is expected to enhance trade and tourism in the region.
- Anantnag-Pahalgam New Line (78 km): Pahalgam, a major tourist destination in Kashmir, currently relies on road connectivity. The proposed railway line from Anantnag to Pahalgam would significantly boost tourism, ease transportation, and provide better access for pilgrims visiting the Amarnath shrine. The project aims to enhance the economic prospects of the tourism industry in south Kashmir.
- Awantipora-Shopian New Line (28 km): This railway project aims to connect Awantipora, an important town in Pulwama district, with Shopian, a major apple-producing region. Improved rail connectivity would enhance the transportation of agricultural produce, particularly apples, to national and international markets, benefiting local farmers and traders.
- Banihal-Baramulla Doubling (118 km): The expansion of this existing rail line will increase the frequency of trains, reduce travel time, and improve efficiency. The doubling project is expected to play a crucial role in improving overall connectivity within the Kashmir Valley and boosting economic activities. While the Union government is making efforts to enhance railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, financial and feasibility constraints continue to hinder major projects. However, the initiation of new railway surveys reflects the government’s commitment to assessing and addressing the region’s transport needs in a strategic and structured manner. If implemented successfully, these railway projects could revolutionize connectivity, boost economic growth, and enhance the strategic importance of the region.
