Rail Connectivity Expansion in Kashmir Awaits Land Acquisition Notification, Surveys Completed in Sopore-Kupwara, Track Planned for Shopian, Pahalgam, Uri
Srinagar, Jul 2, KNT: As part of a strategic push to improve rail connectivity across Kashmir, Railway authorities have completed surveys and demarcation of land in multiple areas including Kupwara, Shopian, Pahalgam, and Uri. However, despite the momentum, the next crucial step, the issuance of the official land acquisition notification, is still pending, raising uncertainty and concern among locals, especially farmers.
An official from Sopore told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that demarcation work for the Sopore to Kupwara railway line has already been completed. “Now it is for the Railway authorities to issue the formal notification for land acquisition,” he said, signalling the need to move from planning to execution.
The Northern Railway authorities also confirmed that new railway tracks are being planned from Awantipora to Shopian, Anantnag to Pahalgam, and from Baramulla to the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri. A comprehensive survey is already underway, aimed at extending the network beyond the existing 117-kilometre Qazigund-Baramulla line.
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Senior Section Engineer, Zafar Hussain, said that expanding the railway network will significantly enhance mobility and open up new economic corridors. “The Pahalgam line will facilitate pilgrim tourism and Shopian’s connection will boost the apple trade,” he said.
However, farmers in different parts, particularly in South Kashmir, voiced concerns, arguing that the Bijbehara-Pahalgam stretch would swallow vast tracts of farmland vital to their survival. “We don’t oppose development, but not at the cost of our livelihood,” said one orchardist. [KNT]
