J&K LG Manoj Sinha Reviews Railways Project; Asks Officials To Complete Key Kashmir Rail Project By August 2022

Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)'s newly appointed Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha yesterday (22 August) reviewed the progress of 272 kilometres long railway line project connecting Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla at a cost of Rs 27,949 crore, reports Hindustan Times.

The Indian Railways has already commissioned 161 kilometres of the total 272 kilometres route length. Sinha asked the railways to complete the remaining portion between Katra and Banihal by 15 August 2022 when India will complete 75 years of independence.

Not only does the project gain significance for connecting Kashmir Valley to the national railway track grid, but it also holds much importance as it includes the construction of the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab river at a height of 359 meters.

Furthermore, the project also includes the building of nation's first cable-stayed railway bridge on Anji Nallah in Reasi.

Reviewing the progress of the mega connectivity project in the region LG Sinha also issued directions to the railway officials to expand the rail track link towards unconnected areas of Rajouri-Poonch and Kupwara areas.

It should be noted that in the coming times, the railway connectivity and infrastructure in the UT is set to witness further expansion and boost, as the railway officials have already completed the preliminary survey for 223 kilometres long project to connect Poonch and Jammu at a cost of Rs 22,768 crore.

Similarly, another survey for a 39 kilometres long Baramulla-Kupwara rail link has also been prepared and submitted to the Railway Board. This project is estimated to cost Rs 3,843 crore.

Sinha asked the railways to prepare DPRs of both the projects so that the matter could be taken up with the Ministry of Finance for funds for these projects.

The authorities also requested Sinha to resolve the issue of non-availability of minor minerals in Ramban district.

In response, Sinha directed Director Geology and Mining and Ramban Deputy Commissioner to issue short-term permits so that the railways could procure essential construction material without any hassles.