Srinagar: The Union government has confirmed that five new railway surveys are currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, while several other proposed projects remain stalled.
Responding to a question from Member of Parliament (MP) Mohmad Haneefa in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail project has been scrapped due to high costs and low projected demand, while the Jammu-Poonch railway line remains stalled over feasibility concerns. However, the doubling of the Banihal-Baramulla rail line has been prioritized by the government.
Vaishnaw clarified that despite the strategic significance of the region, there are no immediate plans to survey a rail link between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh. He emphasized that railway projects are planned based on traffic projections, operational needs, and funding availability, rather than on a district or Union Territory basis.
The minister revealed that a survey for the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh railway line was conducted in 2016-17. The proposed 480-km route was estimated to cost ₹55,896 crore, but the project was abandoned due to low traffic demand.
Meanwhile, the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway project has been classified as a strategic line by the Ministry of Defence. The survey for this 489-km route is complete, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, estimating its cost at ₹1,31,000 crore.
The government also confirmed that Rajouri and Poonch districts remain without railway connectivity. There are no immediate plans to construct a rail link from Reasi-Katra to Rajouri, despite persistent demands.
Replying to another question by MP Mian Altaf Ahmad, the minister reiterated that railway projects are approved based on feasibility, traffic projections, and financial viability, rather than on district or state priorities.
“Railway projects are sanctioned based on last-mile connectivity, socio-economic benefits, and availability of funds. Additionally, challenges such as land acquisition, forest clearances, climate conditions, and law and order issues impact project timelines,” he added.
A survey for the Jammu-Poonch rail line (via Akhnoor and Rajouri, spanning 223 km) was conducted, estimating the cost at ₹22,771 crore. However, the project has not progressed due to low traffic projections.
Five New Railway Surveys in J&K
Despite stalled projects, five new railway surveys are currently being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, including:
1. Baramulla-Uri New Line (46 km)
2. Sopore-Kupwara New Line (37 km)
3. Anantnag-Pahalgam New Line (78 km)
4. Avantipora-Shopian New Line (28 km)
5. Banihal-Baramulla Doubling (118 km)
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is now fully operational, providing vital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. However, for Rajouri and Poonch, railway expansion remains uncertain, with no immediate plans for development. (KNO)
