Indian Railways approves ₹238 crore safety works on Jammu–Katra rail section

Ziraat Times News Desk                                                                                  Srinagar, May 19: Indian Railways has approved critical slope stabilization, tunnel rehabilitation and bridge protection works worth ₹238 crore on the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section of Northern Railway, aimed at strengthening the long-term safety and reliability of the strategically important route.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the sanctioned works include slope stabilization, rehabilitation measures, treatment of tunnel seepage issues, bridge protection works and other related safety interventions at vulnerable locations along the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail corridor.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vishnaw said the approved projects reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable connectivity in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.

He said the protection and rehabilitation measures were sanctioned following a detailed assessment of cuttings, bridges and tunnels on the section.

“These works will strengthen the long-term safety and reliability of this strategically important section,” Vishnaw said.

The Jammu–Katra railway section has faced multiple engineering and operational challenges over the years due to difficult terrain, adverse geological conditions and extreme weather events. Despite these constraints, Indian Railways has continued to maintain operations through timely infrastructure interventions and resilient engineering measures.

Officials said the newly sanctioned works are expected to significantly enhance the resilience of the existing infrastructure and improve operational safety on the route, which serves millions of pilgrims and passengers annually travelling to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.