Centre Allocates Rs.1,086 Crore for J-K Rail: Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government has earmarked around Rs.1,086 crore for Jammu and Kashmir in the railway budget. He also indicated ongoing efforts to enhance railway connectivity in the remote regions of the Union territory.
"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," Vaishnaw says.
Also Read: Chandan Das Steps Down from JioStar After 11 Years
The minister emphasized the significant impact of the Vande Bharat train on facilitating connectivity and providing essential public services in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the challenging winter season when road access is frequently restricted.
He stated that the semi-high-speed express trains have additionally bolstered regional pride by offering local culinary specialties.
"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," he says.
Vaishnaw stated that endeavors are being made to enhance railway connectivity in the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He mentioned that the railway infrastructure from Baramulla to Uri has been developed, and the project approval process is currently in progress. He stated that the survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Jammu–Rajouri rail project are advancing rapidly.
Also Read: ILSS Unveils Reports at India Women Leadership Conference
According to reports, it was stated that plans for the construction of two to three new rail lines along the Baramulla–Srinagar route have been under consideration. However, these plans have been halted due to objections raised by both the state government officials and Members of Parliament.
The primary concern cited is the potential harm that could be caused to apple orchards in the area. Jammu Divisional Railway Manager, Vivek Kumar, expressed the Railway's aspiration to prioritize rail connectivity as a catalyst for development, tourism, and employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Vivek Chaturvedi Appointed as New CBIC Chairman
“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”, Kumar says.