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Kashmir Rail Expansion: DPRs Ready for Key Doubling, New Line Projects

The Ministry of Railways has prepared Detailed Project Reports for the Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam doubling and the new Baramulla-Uri line to enhance rail connectivity in the border region. This follows the recent commissioning of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, which has already generated over 5 crore man-days of employment. The USBRL project has significantly improved local infrastructure, including the construction of 215 km of approach roads, boosting socio-economic development. Further project sanction requires stakeholder consultations and necessary government approvals.

Key Points: DPRs Prepared for Kashmir Rail Doubling, Baramulla-Uri New Line

  • DPRs ready for 118 km doubling
  • New 40 km Baramulla-Uri line proposed
  • USBRL project generated 5 Cr. man-days employment
  • 215 km of approach roads built
2 min read

DPRs prepare for Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam doubling, Baramulla-Uri new line to improve rail connectivity in border region

Railways prepares DPRs for Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam doubling & Baramulla-Uri new line to boost J&K connectivity after USBRL success.

"all-weather, reliable and comfortable rail connectivity between the valley and the rest of the Indian Railway network - Ministry of Railways"

New Delhi, February 6

To extend the rail connectivity of the existing Srinagar-Baramulla section, a survey for the Sopore to Kupwara New Line has been sanctioned and the Detailed Project Report has been prepared, the Ministry of Railways said in an official statement.

However, the project has been dropped because it was found to be infeasible. To further improve rail connectivity in the Border region, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the following projects have also been prepared: Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam doubling (118 km) and Baramulla-Uri new line (40 km), as per the Ministry.

After preparation of DPR, sanctioning of the project requires consultation with various stake-holders including State Governments and necessary approvals, viz., appraisal of NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance, etc. As sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process, exact timelines cannot be fixed.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, with a total length of 272 km, was recently commissioned. The USBRL project covers the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir.

The USBRL project has made substantial socio-economic contributions to the region, with employment generation being a significant aspect of its impact. The project has generated more than 5 Cr. man-days of employment.

Another crucial facet of the USBRL Project's socio-economic development efforts has been the construction of over 215 km of approach roads, which include the construction of a tunnel and 320 small bridges. This road network has helped the local population in improvement of their connectivity with other areas and also improvement in socio-economic status.

With all-weather, reliable and comfortable rail connectivity between the valley and the rest of the Indian Railway network, tourism will receive a significant boost.

This information was provided by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Friday

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, the article mentions the Sopore-Kupwara line was dropped as "infeasible". I hope proper feasibility studies are done for these new lines too. We can't afford more dropped projects after spending crores on DPRs. Strategic planning is key.
R
Rohit P
More than 5 crore man-days of employment! That's the real story here. Infrastructure projects like these are vital for providing jobs and skill development in the region. The Baramulla-Uri line will be a game-changer for people living near the border. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
The tourism boost mentioned is crucial. Reliable all-weather connectivity means more tourists can visit Kashmir safely and comfortably, which directly supports local hotels, guides, and artisans. This is nation-building in action.
V
Vikram M
"Continuous and dynamic process" with no fixed timelines sounds like bureaucratic speak for delays. Hope the consultations with state govt and NITI Aayog don't get stuck in red tape. The people of Kashmir have waited long enough for better connectivity.
K
Kavya N
The 215 km of approach roads and bridges built as part of USBRL is an unsung hero. It shows holistic development—rail isn't just about trains, it's about connecting remote villages to the network. Proud of this progress! 🇮🇳

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