Jammu Kashmir: Handover of USBRL Approach Roads and Ropeway SPV Formation Stuck in Limbo

SRINAGAR: Two major infrastructure initiatives in Jammu Kashmir, the transfer of approach roads built under the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project to the Roads and Buildings (RB) Department and the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for ropeway projects, continue to face delays despite months of deliberations and official reviews, Jammu newspaper  Daily Excelsior has reported.

According to the Daily Excelsior, official sources stated that 29 approach roads spanning a cumulative distance of 201.46 kilometres were constructed by the Railways in the Katra–Banihal section to facilitate the transportation of men, materials, and machinery during the USBRL project. Following the project’s completion, the Jammu and Kashmir government decided to take over these roads to ensure their regular maintenance and upkeep, given that they are now serving local populations and improving regional connectivity.

However, despite a joint inspection of these roads by teams from the Railways and the RB Department, the handover process has stalled. “Although a joint inspection of these roads has been carried out by teams from the Railways and JK PWD, the modalities for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two departments are yet to be finalised,” official sources told Daily Excelsior, adding that the MoU is essential to formalise the transfer and enable regular maintenance of these vital links.

An officer familiar with the matter was quoted as saying, “The process seems to have stalled after the inspection exercise. No tangible headway has been made in finalising the MoU or establishing clear responsibilities for the handover.” The officer further emphasised that “these roads are crucial for local connectivity and serve as lifelines for several habitations in the hilly districts. After completion of the USBRL Project, the Railways’ focus naturally shifts away from road maintenance, which makes it imperative that these roads are swiftly taken over by the Roads and Buildings (RB) Department.”

Daily Excelsior reported that the delay could lead to further deterioration of the roads, especially ahead of the winter season when maintenance becomes critical in hilly terrain. “It would be only after the formal takeover of these roads that the RB Department will arrange funds and thereafter float tenders for maintenance works. Keeping in view the procedural formalities involved, swiftness should have been shown in signing the MoU with the Railways,” the sources added.

Meanwhile, there has also been no progress on the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for several ropeway projects proposed across Jammu Kashmir. Daily Excelsior quoted official sources as saying, “These ropeway projects aimed at boosting tourism and providing alternative connectivity in difficult terrains have been under discussion for quite some time, but the formal institutional mechanism for their implementation remains unformed.”

The report added that the absence of an SPV has “effectively stalled the preparatory and implementation stages” of these ropeway projects. The SPV is expected to coordinate project financing, execution, and long-term management with multiple departments and private stakeholders.

As Daily Excelsior highlighted, the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) is currently undertaking Detailed Project Report (DPR) bids for several ropeway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including those from Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier, Bhaderwah to Seojhdar, Baltal to the Amarnath Cave, Doodpathri from Parihas to Diskhal, and the Nashri Tunnel to Sanasar route.

The delays in both the USBRL road handover and the ropeway SPV formation have raised concerns that bureaucratic inertia may be slowing down key connectivity and tourism-linked projects in Jammu Kashmir.