Ziraat Times News Desk
Srinagar: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the proposed railway expansion projects to Pahalgam, Shopian have been put on hold, marking a pause in the government’s plans to extend rail connectivity further into the Kashmir Valley.
The announcement comes amid sustained concerns raised by farmers and environmental groups, who have opposed the projects, arguing that they could severely impact apple orchards, agricultural livelihoods and the region’s fragile ecology.
Addressing the status of railway infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region, Vaishnaw said that while the government remains committed to improving connectivity, the proposed rail links to the tourist destination of Pahalgam and the apple-growing district of Shopian would not proceed at this stage. He cited the need for further technical evaluations and environmental impact assessments as key reasons behind the decision.
According to the Minister, the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal range presents complex engineering and safety issues, requiring what he described as a “cautious and calculated” approach. He added that the Ministry of Railways is currently prioritising the stability and completion of ongoing strategic projects, including the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
Environmental concerns have also played a role in the reassessment. Officials said the fragile ecosystems of the Pahalgam meadows and the orchard-rich areas of Shopian have prompted a deeper review of the proposed alignments. In addition, budgetary resources may be redirected towards the completion of critical infrastructure such as the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad bridge, which are key to integrating Kashmir with the national rail network.
Environmentalists welcomed the move, warning that large-scale construction could trigger deforestation, soil erosion and long-term ecological damage in high-altitude zones.
