Proposed South Kashmir Rail Lines Put on Hold | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that the proposed Anantnag–Pahalgam and Awantipora–Shopian railway lines in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on hold after Members of Parliament, the Jammu and Kashmir government, and local farmers raised concerns about potential damage to apple orchards.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said that the Railways had completed surveys for the two projects and had also examined proposals to add two to three new rail lines along the Baramulla–Srinagar stretch. However, the projects were suspended following strong objections from elected representatives and orchard owners, who cautioned that the proposed alignments could harm apple cultivation—one of the region’s most important economic activities.

He said the concerns conveyed by MPs, the Union Territory administration, and farmers were taken seriously despite the completion of preliminary survey work.

Vaishnaw also said that the Centre has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the rail budget, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening rail connectivity in the region. He added that efforts are ongoing to expand railway infrastructure, particularly in remote areas of the Union Territory.

Highlighting the role of Vande Bharat trains, the minister said the semi-high-speed services have played a crucial role in maintaining connectivity and public service in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the winter months when road links often remain disrupted.

He also said that the trains promote regional identity by offering local cuisines on board. “Dogri cuisine is served on the Vande Bharat train operating from Jammu, while Kashmiri dishes are served on the return journey from Srinagar to Jammu,” he said.

Vaishnaw further informed that railway infrastructure work on the Baramulla–Uri section has been completed and is currently awaiting approval. He added that survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) work for the proposed Jammu–Rajouri rail project is progressing at a fast pace.