DPRs prepared for Qazigund–Budgam doubling and Baramulla–Uri rail line: Centre

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 6: The Union Government has prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for two major rail projects in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at further strengthening connectivity in the Kashmir Valley and adjoining border regions, the Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

In a written reply, the Minister said that to extend rail connectivity of the existing Srinagar–Baramulla section, a survey for a new Sopore–Kupwara rail line of 34 kilometres had earlier been sanctioned and a DPR was prepared. However, the project was subsequently dropped after it was found to be technically and economically infeasible.

To further improve rail connectivity, particularly in border and strategic areas, DPRs have now been prepared for the following projects:

• • Qazigund–Srinagar–Budgam doubling (118 km)
    • Baramulla–Uri new line (40 km)

The Minister explained that after preparation of DPRs, sanctioning of any railway project requires consultations with various stakeholders, including the State or Union Territory government, and mandatory approvals such as appraisal by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance.

“As sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process, exact timelines for approval and execution cannot be fixed,” Vaishnaw said, adding that projects are taken up based on overall feasibility, traffic projections, funding availability and strategic importance.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the recently commissioned Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Minister said the 272-kilometre-long project has connected some of the most challenging terrains in the country and has already made substantial socio-economic contributions to the region.

The USBRL project passes through the districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Baramulla, providing the Valley with all-weather, reliable and comfortable rail connectivity with the rest of the Indian Railways network.

Vaishnaw said employment generation has been a major outcome of the project, with more than five crore man-days of work created during its construction, benefiting local workers and boosting the regional economy.

Another significant component of the USBRL project’s socio-economic impact has been the development of supporting infrastructure. The Minister said over 215 kilometres of approach roads have been constructed as part of the project, including a major tunnel and around 320 small bridges.

“This road network has helped local populations improve their connectivity with other areas and has contributed to better socio-economic conditions,” he said.

With the Valley now connected through an all-weather rail corridor, the Minister said tourism is expected to receive a major boost, as travel becomes safer, faster and more convenient for visitors as well as residents.

The preparation of DPRs for Qazigund–Budgam doubling and the Baramulla–Uri new line is being viewed as an important step toward further strengthening Kashmir’s internal rail network and enhancing connectivity in border areas, which are critical for economic development, trade, tourism and strategic mobility.

Officials said these proposals, once sanctioned, could significantly ease congestion on existing sections, improve operational efficiency and open up new growth corridors in north and south Kashmir.

The Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to expanding rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir in a phased and planned manner, keeping in view technical feasibility, environmental considerations and the long-term development needs of the region.