Anantnag, Jan 25: Member of Parliament Mian Altaf on Sunday said that there is no concrete proposal for a Bijbehara–Pahalgam railway line and described the ongoing discussions around it as largely based on rumours rather than reality.
Reacting to reports and public concerns raised by villagers along the proposed alignment, the MP said that, as of now, there is no official or confirmed plan for such a railway project. He added that he has not come across any document or government communication suggesting that the Bijbehara–Pahalgam rail line has been approved or is under serious consideration.
“There are more rumours in the air than facts. So far, I do not think there is any such proposal,” Mian Altaf said, while expressing solidarity with villagers who have voiced opposition to the alleged plan.
The MP further stated that even if such a proposal were to surface in the future, he sees no justification or tangible benefit in constructing a railway line on the Bijbehara–Pahalgam route. He said the project does not appear to serve any meaningful public interest and could instead create unnecessary disruption for locals.
“If the rumours turn out to be true, then I firmly believe this railway line should not be built. I see neither justification nor benefit in it,” he said.
Villagers in parts of south Kashmir have recently expressed apprehensions over a possible railway alignment, fearing land acquisition and environmental impact. However, no official confirmation regarding the project has been issued by the authorities so far.
Mian Altaf reiterated that development projects must be based on clear necessity, transparency, and public consent, and not on speculation or unverified reports. [KNT]
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