SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Railways has approved two key infrastructure projects for Jammu and Kashmir — a new 40.2 km Baramulla–Uri railway line and the doubling of the 73.5 km Qazigund–Budgam stretch.
According to an official statement, the Baramulla–Uri line will extend rail services to the border town of Uri, close to Kaman Post. The alignment includes three Road Under Bridges and nine Road Over Bridges and is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to an area frequently cut off by road blockades in winter.
Officials said the line also holds strategic value, with Baramulla and Uri tehsils hosting major Army establishments near the Line of Control. The project will be built as a single broad-gauge track and will require fresh land acquisition.
The statement further noted that the Qazigund–Budgam doubling project has been sanctioned to ease congestion on the single-line section up to Baramulla.
“With the Katra–Banihal section scheduled for commissioning in 2025, the Kashmir rail corridor will stand fully integrated with the national network, opening avenues for passenger growth and freight movement,” the statement said, adding that doubling would also facilitate smooth operations of military special trains carrying troops and equipment. (KNO)
