Srinagar — The government of India has approved two major rail infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir: a new 40.2-km broad-gauge railway line from Baramulla to Uri and the doubling of the existing 73.5-km Qazigund–Badgam section. This development, evaluated during the 99th Network Planning Group meeting under the PM GatiShakti initiative, aims to transform mobility, tourism, and defence logistics in the region, an official press statement received by Ziraat Times said.
Baramulla–Uri railway line
The proposed new line, stretching just over 40 km, will connect Baramulla with Uri, traversing five existing stations. It will feature 3 Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and 9 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) as part of a single-track broad-gauge alignment requiring fresh land acquisition.
Doubling of Qazigund–Badgam line
The Qazigund–Badgam section, currently a single-track part of the vital Qazigund–Baramulla link, will be upgraded to a double track over approximately 73.5 km. This expansion encompasses ten existing stations (nine crossing stations plus one halt), running parallel to the existing alignment.
This segment is part of the broader strategic “Hill & Strategic Corridor,” aimed at improving capacity for freight, passenger services, and special defence trains ferrying personnel, arms, and supplies.
