The Ministry of Railways has paused survey activities for three proposed railway lines in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision comes in response to concerns raised by local residents and officials regarding the possible impact on apple orchards and agricultural land in the region.

Proposed Lines Aimed to Enhance Connectivity in South Kashmir

Approval for the surveys was initially granted in December 2023 for three new railway corridors in the Kashmir Valley. These included the Sopore-Kupwara line (33.7 km), Avantipora-Shopian line (27.6 km), and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam line (77.5 km). The planned rail lines were intended to improve transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity within South Kashmir.

At present, the existing railway network in the Kashmir Valley includes a route from Srinagar to Baramulla. The proposed extensions were expected to pass through horticultural districts such as Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag, regions widely known for apple production.

Orchard Damage Prompts Public Opposition

The proposed alignment of the rail tracks triggered concern among local communities, particularly horticulturists, over the potential environmental and economic consequences. According to estimates, the development of the tracks across these areas would have required the felling of over seven lakh apple trees.

Farmers and orchard owners objected to the projects, citing the risk to their livelihoods. The loss of such a significant number of fruit-bearing trees, coupled with the acquisition of agricultural land for railway infrastructure, could have impacted thousands of families dependent on horticulture.

Centre Responds to Local Feedback

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the projects have been halted based on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and local Members of Parliament. He stated that the move is aimed at preventing large-scale damage to apple orchards and safeguarding the interests of farmers in the region.

The Ministry has not indicated whether the projects will be re-evaluated, realigned, or permanently shelved. No alternative plans for connectivity in these districts have been announced so far.

Political Views on Route Alignment

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on the issue, suggesting that if the aim was to enhance connectivity to regions like Ladakh via Pahalgam or to link Rajouri and Poonch through Shopian, the proposals could have warranted further consideration. He added that the currently proposed lines did not offer such strategic connectivity and appeared to bypass major necessity routes.

The decision to halt the projects highlights the complexity of balancing infrastructure development with environmental and local livelihood considerations in the union territory.

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