Tough terrain, land acquisition challenge for railway infra projects in J&K: Centre

New Delhi, Dec 17: The delays in several railway infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir are linked to different challenges like land acquisition, forest clearances, difficult terrain and other statutory issues, the Union Ministry said on Thursday. However, the Centre has asserted that it is making sustained efforts to expedite the execution of these projects.
The details were shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question raised by Lok Sabha members Mala Roy and Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal.
Highlighting projects related to Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry said, “capacity augmentation works on the Jallandhar–Pathankot–Jammu Tawi section, a critical rail corridor serving as the main rail link to the Union Territory. The project aims to improve connectivity, operational efficiency and passenger movement to and from J&K.”
In recent years, the construction of railways has gained momentum. Between 2014 and 2025, 34,428 km of new tracks were commissioned, which shows a huge acceleration in the project execution when compared to 7,599 km added during 2009–14.
The Ministry attributed the completion of timelines of projects connected with J&K to factors like land acquisition by state governments, forest and wildlife clearances, shifting of utilities, geological challenges, law and order issues and limited working months in hilly areas.
The Minister clarified that the government is trying to overcome the challenges by taking measures like enhanced budgetary support, delegation of powers at the field level, close monitoring of projects and regular coordination with concerned authorities to fast-track clearances.
He reiterated that railway projects, particularly those linked to Jammu and Kashmir, are approved while keeping in view aspects like strategic importance, connectivity to remote and border areas, socio-economic benefits and overall availability of funds.
The Minister also informed the parliament that as on April 1, 2025, Indian Railways has sanctioned 431 infrastructure projects across the country, including new lines, gauge conversion and doubling works, covering 35,966 km at an estimated cost of about Rs 6.75 lakh crore. (KNO)