How Railways Are Reshaping Life and Livelihoods In J&K 

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Dec 20 : While acknowledging delays due to complex challenges, the Union Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating transformative railway infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, framing them as a strategic lifeline for the region’s socio-economic integration.

Earlier this week Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as per Kashmir Convener detailed the hurdles including land acquisition, forest clearances, difficult terrain, and statutory issues impacting timelines. He emphasized, however, that sustained efforts are underway to expedite execution through enhanced funding, delegated authority, and rigorous monitoring.

The government’s focus remains sharply on projects like the capacity augmentation of the critical Jammu–Pathankot corridor, the main rail link to the Union Territory, aimed at boosting connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger movement.

This push is part of a national infrastructure surge. Data reveals that between 2014 and 2025, 34,428 kilometres of new tracks were commissioned across India, a dramatic increase from the 7,599 km laid between 2009 and 2014.

For Jammu and Kashmir, the railway expansion is poised to be a game-changer. Senior officials hail it as the cornerstone of regional progress, designed to unlock vast tourism potential, facilitate seamless movement of goods and people, and stimulate inclusive economic growth by integrating remote areas with urban centres.

“This network is not just steel and concrete; it is a lifeline that will accelerate tourism, empower local industries, and provide a modern, safe travel experience for all citizens,” Union Minister Vaishnaw told Kashmir Convener earlier this month.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated, “This railway expansion bridges geographical divides, fosters socio-economic unity, and positions J&K as a premier destination for sustainable tourism. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era.”

The benefits are already reaching local communities. The rail corridors now provide direct, affordable, and scenic access to iconic destinations like the Kashmir Valley and the holy town of Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. More significantly, they are reaching previously inaccessible valleys.

“The train has changed everything for us,” said Ghulam Nabi, a homestay owner near Kokernag while talking to Kashmir Convener. He said, “Earlier, only the most adventurous tourists found us. Now, families arrive comfortably by rail. My bookings have doubled.”

For artisans and entrepreneurs, the reliable rail link has revolutionized logistics. “Transporting our walnut woodcarvings and pashmina shawls to markets in Delhi and Mumbai was costly and risky by road,” explained Bashir Ahmed, a Srinagar-based artisan said in conversation with Kashmir Convener. He said, “the railway has reduced costs, expanded our customer base, and preserved our profit margins.”

Economists point to the project’s role as a critical economic multiplier, reducing logistics costs for key horticulture sectors like apples and saffron, and attracting investor interest in logistics and hospitality.

Beyond economics, the railways introduce modern safety systems—automated signalling and comprehensive surveillance—offering a safer alternative to often treacherous mountain roads, a shift expected to decongest highways and reduce accidents.

Aligning with global green travel trends, the network also promotes eco-tourism through its lower carbon footprint. Planned “cultural-cum-tourist” circuits aim to link heritage sites, craft villages, and local bazaars, serving as a cultural conduit.

With engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge operational, the focus now is on completing the strategic Kashmir Valley rail link and planning future expansions.

A senior railway official confirmed to Kashmir Convener that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new 164-kilometre line—featuring a 46-km Baramulla to Uri section and the doubling of 118 km between Banihal and Baramulla—has been finalized.

Minister Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that project sanction is subject to consultations with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and necessary approvals from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance.

The operational Banihal-Baramulla link has already altered daily life, providing a swift, reliable, and cost-effective commute for thousands of students and professionals across multiple districts, reducing the need for rented accommodations in the city.

“This is a paradigm shift,” said travel industry analyst Anita Sharma. “Jammu and Kashmir is being rebranded from a logistically challenging destination to a conveniently connected experience. This infrastructure will catalyse holistic growth for decades.”

As the new tracks weave through majestic mountains and serene valleys, they carry with them the tangible promise of a more connected, prosperous, and accessible future for Jammu and Kashmir.