*272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway link completed: GoI informs Lok Sabha*
*Says infrastructure boost enhances connectivity, economy, development in J&K*
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Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Apr 03 (KNO): The 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla link has been completed as part of a major railway infrastructure expansion under the National Rail Plan, the Government of India informed the Lok Sabha.
In a reply to a starred question, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project is among key railway developments aimed at enhancing connectivity and capacity across the country.
The government said Indian Railways has significantly expanded its network and capacity over the past decade, with a focus on new lines, doubling of tracks and electrification to improve regional connectivity and freight movement.
The completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link is expected to strengthen connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and improve the transportation of passengers and goods in the region.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that railway infrastructure projects play a key role in socio-economic development by enabling faster movement of goods, reducing transportation costs and improving logistics efficiency.
“Such projects also generate employment opportunities and boost tourism and industrial activity in connected regions,” they added.
The government further informed that a total of 431 railway infrastructure projects covering 35,966 km, with an estimated cost of about Rs 6.75 lakh crore, are currently sanctioned across the country.
“The timely completion of projects depends on multiple factors, including land acquisition, forest clearances, shifting of utilities and local conditions,” it said—(KNO)
