Surveys on for two new rail lines: L-G

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said surveys are being held for two new rail lines in J&K while Detailed Project Reports (DPR) are under examination for eight new lines. Speaking at the inauguration of Jammu Railway Division, he said that surveys are going on for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines.

Sinha informed that DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line.

“By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies,” the L-G said. Talking about the separate Jammu division, the L-G said “This new division is very important from strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits”.

He said the Indian Railways stands at the forefront of journey towards a developed and self-reliant J&K. “For J&K, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade and employment opportunities in the region,” Sinha said.

He said by connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir. He said the enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of the UT. “Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialisation and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods,” he said.