Centre Allocates Rs 1,086 Crore for J&K Rail Infrastructure: Vaishnaw

• Rs 1,086 crore allocated to improve rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on remote areas
• Vande Bharat trains ensure year-round connectivity, promoting regional identity through local cuisine
• Baramulla-Uri rail project progressing, but proposals for more lines on hold due to concerns over apple orchards

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced recently that the Centre has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir in the rail budget, with ongoing efforts to strengthen rail connectivity especially in remote areas of the region.

Vaishnaw stated, “The Union Railway Ministry has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir, Rs 2,911 crore to Himachal Pradesh, and Rs 5,673 crore to Punjab in the rail budget. This reflects the government's strong commitment to strengthening rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region”.

He highlighted the Vande Bharat train as a crucial transportation system that enables both regional travel and public service delivery during times when road access between cities is restricted because of winter conditions. He also explained that the semi-high-speed express trains have established a new regional identity because they showcase the culinary traditions of local areas.

“In the Vande Bharat train operating from Jammu, Dogri cuisine is served, while Kashmiri cuisine is served in the train returning from Srinagar to Jammu”, Vaishnaw added.

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The minister disclosed that work on the Baramulla-Uri railway line which requires infrastructure development currently operates under an approval process which maintains its efficient progress. The team currently conducts survey work while they develop the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Jammu-Rajouri rail project which they plan to develop.

The state government and MPs raised concerns about potential damage to apple orchards which led to the suspension of proposals for constructing two to three new rail lines that would extend through the Baramulla-Srinagar section.

Vivek Kumar who serves as the Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu declared that the Railways aims to establish rail connectivity as the principal force which will advance development while creating job opportunities and boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

He added, “The Railways' commitment is not only to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India but also to make rail the main medium for development, tourism and employment. This all-weather rail system will become the economic lifeline of the Valley”.