NC MP Writes to Northern Railway, Seeks Rail Expansion to Chenab Valley and Rajouri–Poonch | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Rajya Sabha MP and former Jammu Kashmir minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo has sought expansion of railway connectivity to the Chenab Valley and Rajouri–Poonch region, urging authorities to prioritise the projects on strategic and socio-economic grounds.

In a letter dated March 23 addressed to Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar of Northern Railway, Kichloo proposed a phased extension of rail infrastructure to Ramban, Batote, Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar, terming it essential to bridge long-standing connectivity gaps.

He emphasised that railway projects in geographically sensitive regions like the Chenab Valley should not be evaluated solely on passenger demand, but also on their strategic, developmental and disaster-response significance.

Highlighting the region’s difficult terrain, weak road connectivity and frequent weather disruptions, Kichloo said railway links would provide a safer and reliable all-weather transport alternative, reducing prolonged isolation.

He noted that improved connectivity would enable quicker medical evacuation, strengthen healthcare supply and enhance emergency response in remote areas.

The MP also pointed to challenges faced by students and job seekers, stating that better rail access would cut travel time and costs while expanding opportunities in education and employment.

Kichloo said railway infrastructure could boost hydropower development, promote tourism and facilitate transport of agricultural and horticultural produce. He also proposed freight corridors, cargo terminals and logistics hubs to improve supply chains and reduce costs.

He further advocated railway connectivity for the Rajouri–Poonch belt, citing its strategic importance and inadequate road infrastructure, and said improved rail links would support border development and regional integration.

Kichloo recommended a phased implementation plan—first extending the line to Doda–Bhaderwah and later to Kishtwar—while integrating it with existing surveys between Udhampur/Katra and Kishtwar.

He also urged special funding mechanisms for hilly and remote regions and called for increasing the frequency of Vande Bharat Express services on the Jammu–Srinagar route, describing the proposal as vital for national integration and balanced regional development.