Entire Jammu and Kashmir is gradually making its presence more and more discernable and palpable on the Railway map of the country with laying of more railway lines and introducing more trains or extending the destinations of the existing ones. The myths that because of the range of mountains drawing a line between dream and reality of laying railway lines and thus not making the valley feel and derive benefits from the Railways, have been removed by the professional dexterity of our Railway engineers and technical staff. Now, the possibilities of widening the railway connectivity within the valley has remained no dream but has since become a reality. Now, border areas and towns too are hopeful of hearing the sounds of chugging of railway engines and derive the pleasure of railway travel because of being more comfortable, time saving, easy , comparatively at cheaper cost to the passengers irrespective of the operational cost to the Railways in the Valley.
Now, train connectivity between Baramulla and border town Kupwara is likely to fructify as the Central Government has accorded its approval for connecting the two areas through the Rail, thanks to the Governor’s administration taking up the case forcefully before the NITI Ayog Chief Executive Officer during his visit to Baramulla and Kupwara districts last month. In other words, we will see the extension of Udhampur – Srinagar-Baramulla rail link up to Kupwara in north Kashmir. The Chief Secretary of the State has reportedly been duly informed by the Advisor Transport NITI Ayog about the sanctioning of the project and also taken up on priority, the extension of rail link from Baramulla to Kupwara . An updated survey for the new link too, stands sanctioned. The work is scheduled to be taken up under umbrella work by the Railways.
The good news in this context is that the Governor’s Administration has made a strong case for the Jammu – Rajouri -Poonch rail link and what is expected is the likelihood of a significant forward movement on this important connectivity project , perhaps very soon. With this speed of increasing the railway network coupled with the vision of the Central Government, that of connecting more districts and areas with one another, it is hoped that Pir Panchal, Chenab valley, Katra-Banihal sectors too would gradually be brought nearer to one another through Rail. In fact, Katra – Banihal sector of the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla link is at the moment in progress as it passes through very difficult terrain., having several tunnels and the world’s highest bridge on River Chenab in Reasi district.
The fruits of peace and tranquillity taste sweeter as progress and development get focussed attention from the Government which speaks about the need to aspire for and sustain peace all the time. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is poised for incessant progress and development despite its geographical and other limitations as compared to other states. The iconic Railway bridge, being constructed on River Chenab at a cost of Rs.1250 crores , the highest in the world , to be precise 90 feet higher than the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, when completed next year, shall bestow a unique place of pride to the state for possession of a feat of engineering marvel unseen so far in the world in respect of its height.
The train to Kupwara will be of immense importance both in respect of benefits to the locals as also to thousands of troops who are deployed in the border district and the Line of Control. It will result in economic development too at local levels . Thousands of passengers, unbelievable to be a reality until a few years back , travel by trains currently on the existing routes in the Valley. Meanwhile, both the former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have expressed their gratitude to the Central Government for extending the Railway line in the valley to Kupwara district and have congratulated the people of Kupwara. They have demanded extension of the Railway link to Poonch, Chenab valley and Pir Panchal areas as well.
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