by: Syed Showket
Train services in Kashmir were a dream come true. Kashmiris had only seen Trains outside the state, and the first train was seen by Kashmiris in October 2008. In contrast, Trains in India were first introduced in 1853, starting from Bombay and covering a very short distance. According to the World Economic Forum report of 2019, India scored 4.4 out of 7 in railroad infrastructure quality. Today, the railways connect Kashmir — the crown of India — with Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the country. In this way, the railway has made our travel and connectivity better, more comfortable, easier, and time-bound.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the only available connectivity connecting the Valley to the rest of the country, is marked by scars, horrific stories, miseries, and a record of tragic accidents. It has also witnessed significant damage in terms of construction and infrastructure, despite continuous efforts by the government. Nevertheless, this highway has shown remarkable improvement over the years. Despite the tough terrain, harsh climate, and natural disasters, what once took five days — or even weeks — to traverse a decade ago can now be completed in a day or two. This progress is commendable and widely appreciated, as this road serves as a vital bridge between the Valley and the rest of India.
Finally, the long-awaited and distant dream of fast, easy, and comfortable travel from the Valley to Jammu has become a reality. It brings immense happiness and is expected to enhance business, engagement, the economy, and provide a boost to the state exchequer. It is an undeniable fact that a prolonged and arduous period of more than seventy years has finally culminated with the visit of PM Modi . Travelers, both local and foreign, who have traversed the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Qazigund to Udhampur, can attest to the grueling, harrowing, and exhausting journey. The meandering and winding road has exacted a heavy toll on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in numerous fatalities due to accidents and landslides. Furthermore, it has been a significant impediment to commerce. It has proven to be a considerable source of inconvenience and discomfort for the populace of Jammu and Kashmir, with adverse ramifications on their daily lives and trade.
Nevertheless, PM Modi’s railway enforcement initiatives have met the people’s yearning for improved connectivity, freeing them from the tribulations of the QaziGund-Udhampur highway. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are grateful for the connectivity initiatives that have facilitated travel and stimulated commerce.
The development of any nation depends significantly on its transportation infrastructure, which connects people, fosters trade, and stimulates economic growth. To establish international trade, a country must first develop trade and business within its borders. The availability of connectivity plays a crucial role in the growth of commerce, which is the backbone of any economy. In our country, railways are the most vital contributor to different modes of transportation, and trade promotion and commerce depend heavily on railways.
Tourism is a significant factor that fosters economic growth, and transportation plays a significant role. The better the transportation infrastructure, the more tourists are likely to visit, which can lead to more economic growth for the region.
However, certain regions, such as the Kashmir valley, face significant connectivity issues that hamper trade, commerce, and tourism. The hilly terrain of the region makes road connectivity without train service exhausting. Private transporters charge high fares to travel this long and hilly road, making it economically burdensome. Moreover, weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall and landslides, make travel unpredictable, blocking the road for several days and causing human lives and heavy business losses. These adverse conditions not only hinder trade and commerce but also affect tourism in the valley.
In response to these challenges, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is set to unveil several railway initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance connectivity, promote environmental sustainability, and stimulate the overall economic growth of the region. These initiatives include the inauguration of a new rail route from Banihal to Khari to Sumber to Sangaldan, covering a distance of 48 km.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the newly electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section, stretching over 185.66 km of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. He will also launch the first electric train in the valley and commence train services between Sangaldan and Baramulla stations.
These railway initiatives are significant because they aim to address the connectivity issues that have hindered economic growth in the region. For safety and rescue purposes, the section includes three escape tunnels totalling 30.1 km in length. Additionally, 30 curves covering 23.72 kilometres are integrated into the section to enhance passenger safety and comfort. Advanced features like ballastless tracks and canted turnouts, a first for Indian Railways, have been integrated to improve passenger safety. Completing the electrification of the Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a significant achievement. Serving 19 railway stations, this section is now equipped with Ballastless Track (BLT), ensuring a smoother ride for passengers. Moreover, this section includes India’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, spanning 12.77 km between Khari and Sumber.
The event will also witness the Prime Minister laying the foundation stones for several key road projects, including two segments of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway totalling 44.22 km, which will connect Jammu to Katra. Additionally, PM Modi will initiate phase two of the four-laning of the Srinagar Ring Road, five packages for the upgrade of the 161-km-long Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of NH-01, and the construction of Kulgam Bypass and Pulwama Bypass on NH-444.
The development of better road infrastructure will improve the region’s connectivity and attract more tourists, create more job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, it will make travel easier, thereby addressing the challenges faced by the region’s economic development.
In conclusion, transportation plays a critical role in fostering trade, commerce, and tourism, and its availability is crucial for the growth of any economy. The railway and road initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir aim to enhance connectivity, promote environmental sustainability, and stimulate economic growth. These initiatives will lead to the creation of more job opportunities, which will ultimately help to improve the standard of living in the region. The people are eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of their long-cherished dream of railway connectivity, hoping it will be realized through Prime Minister Modi.
The author can be mailed at vadaiekashmir@gmail.com
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