NEW DELHI, Sept 4: The Union government has approved a new 40km Baramulla-Uri rail line and doubling of the Qazigund to Badgam line to boost train connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The two projects come weeks after the completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in June this year.
The projects were approved in the 99th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) convened on Wednesday to evaluate infrastructure projects, an official statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said.
Baramulla to Uri new Broad Gauge (BG) line will provide all-weather, reliable rail connectivity, addressing frequent disruptions faced by road travel during harsh weather.
Uri, located near the Line of Control at Kaman Post, has already emerged as a border tourism destination. With the new railway line, tourism in the region is expected to receive a significant boost.
“The project also holds strategic importance as Baramulla and Uri Tehsil house major Indian Army establishments and lie close to the border,” the statement said, adding that the project will require fresh land acquisition.
The second project cleared for J&K is the doubling of the 74 km Qazigund–Badgam line.
“With the commissioning of the Katra–Banihal section in 2025, the corridor will be fully integrated with the Indian Railways network, offering huge potential for passenger and freight traffic,” the statement added.
This line also has strategic importance, allowing seamless movement of military special trains carrying Army personnel, equipment, and supplies.
“Doubling will increase capacity, reduce delays, and strengthen connectivity across the Valley. The project will also boost tourism and local economic activity, while ensuring faster, safer, and reliable logistics for defence needs. The proposal marks another step towards building a resilient and strategically vital railway network in Jammu & Kashmir,” the statement added.
