Five New Railway Surveys Progressing in J&K, Others Face Delays: GoI

Srinagar Leh Kargil Rail plan dropped due to high costs, low demand

The Union government on Wednesday confirmed that five new railway surveys are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, while other projects remain stalled.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail plan was dropped due to high costs and low demand, and the Jammu-Poonch line remains stalled over feasibility concerns. Also, the Banihal-Baramulla rail line doubling has been prioritized by the government.”

The Union government also confirmed that Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir continue to remain without railway connectivity, with no immediate plans to construct a rail line from Reasi-Katra to Rajouri on a priority basis.

Meanwhile, five new railway surveys have been undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir which include Baramulla-Uri New Line (46 km), Sopore-Kupwara New Line (37 km), Anantnag-Pahalgam New Line (78 km), Avantipore-Shopian New Line (28 km), Banihal-Baramulla and Doubling (118 km).