Lok Sabha Question No. 2976 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-20
Subject: Railway Network in Jammu and Kashmir
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Jugal Kishore Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2976

TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2023

## RAILWAY NETWORK IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

2976. SHRI JAMYANG TSERING NAMGYAL: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken to extend the Indian Railways network in Jammu and Kashmir and the manner in which the said expansion is benefiting local communities and businesses ;
- (b)  whether  improved  passenger  services  and  facilities  introduced  by Indian Railways  in  Jammu  and  Kashmir  is  enhancing  the  travel experience of residents and tourists alike , if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the role of the Indian Railways in promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir by attracting visitors to the region and boosting its economy;
- (d) the measures taken for  ensuring safety on railway routes in Jammu and Kashmir for the convenience of passengers;
- (e)  the  details  of  the  progress  and  current  status  of  the  UdhampurSrinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project; and
- (f)  the  details  of  budget  allocated  and  spent  along  with  the  extent  of work completed on the said project since its approval?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (f) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2976 BY SHRI JAMYANG TSERING NAMGYAL, SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO AND SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 20.12.2023 REGARDING RAILWAY NETWORK IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR (a) to (f) : The work of the new line in Jammu & Kashmir is being undertaken under  Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla  Rail  Link  (USBRL)  Project.  Out  of  the total 272 Km of Udhampur Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL), 161 KM  has  already  been  commissioned.  The  work  of  Katra-Banihal(111  km) section has been taken up. Anticipated cost of the project is ₹37,012/- crore, against which, expenditure of ₹34,261/- crore has been incurred up to March, 2023 on the project. An Outlay of ₹5,310 crore has been allocated for the year 2023-24. The  USBRL  project  is,  perhaps,  the  most  difficult  new  railway  line  project undertaken  in  the  country  post-independence.  The  terrain  passes  through young  Himalayas,  which  are  full  of  geological  surprises  and  numerous problems. This section predominantly involves tunnelling i.e. 97.42 Km out of 111  Km  (i.e.  87%)  of  length  of  Katra-Banihal  section  is  in  tunnels  and maximum  length of tunnel T-49 is 12.77 Km, which will be longest transportation  railway  tunnel  in  the  country.  Railway  has  made  the  world's highest  Railway  Bridge  over  Chenab  river  in  Reasi  District  of  Jammu  & Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Bridge is 1315 m long having Arch span of 467 m and height of 359 m above river bed. Indian Railway's first cable stayed bridge has been constructed over AnjiKhad. Its bridge deck is 331m above the river bed level and height of its Main pylon is 193m. In addition of above, Final Location Survey (FLS) of following lines have been sanctioned:

- i.    Doubling of Baramulla-Banihal section (135.5km)
- ii.   New Line of Baramulla-Uri (50km)
- iii.  New Line of Sopore-Kupwara (33.7km)
- iv.  New Line of Awantipora-Shopian (27.6km)
- v.   New Line of Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (77.5km)

The USBRL Project has made substantial socio-economic contributions to the region, with employment generation being a significant aspect of its impact. The project has generated more than 553 lacs man-days of indirect employment so far. Another  crucial  facet  of  the  USBRL  Project's  socio-economic  development efforts  has  been  the  construction  of  over  215  km  of  approach  roads,  which include construction of a tunnel and 320 small bridges.

At present, 9  pairs  of  trains  are  running  over  Kashmir  valley  section  due  to which travel time of passengers has been reduced and travel experience has also become more comfortable than bus services. The passenger services and facilities are being improved by major redevelopment of Jammu Tawi railway station.  To enhance travel experience of passengers, a Vistadome coach is attached  to  a  special  train  being  run  over  Kashmir  Valley.  A  Guest  House operated  by  Indian  Railway  Catering  and  Tourism  Corporation  Limited  is available at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station. Catering services to the  passengers  travelling  in  trains  are  provided  through  pantry  cars  /mini pantry, train side vending and static units at en-route stations. In addition to this, passengers also have the facility to order food of their choice through ecatering services which are available at major en- route stations.

To  promote  rail  based  tourism,  Indian  Railways  have  issued  the  'Bharat Gaurav  Trains'  policy  in  November'  2021,  under  which  theme  based  tourist circuit trains are being run with the objective to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and  magnificent historical places.  As per this policy, service providers have full flexibility to decide the themes/itineraries for operation of Bharat Gaurav tourist circuit trains which may include tourist circuits of any part  of  India  including  Jammu  and  Kashmir  based  on  market  demand, commercial viability etc.

In accordance with international norms, adequate safety provisions have been kept  in  the  USBRL  project.  All  tunnels  having  length  more  than  2  Km  have been provided  with  mechanical  ventilation  systems  to  ensure  air  quality  as per international norms.

Firefighting  system  comprising  of  fire  hydrants  and  fire  extinguishers,  to promptly address and contain potential fire incidents has been provided in all the tunnels.  Proper access roads have been constructed to all escape tunnels and adits.

Railway has taken various steps for ensuring safety on Railway routes through safety  drives,  safety  audits,  safety  inspections,  counselling  of  road  user, distributing  pamphlets,  conducting  nukkad  nataks,  safety  seminars  and sending  SMS  on  the  mobile  phone  of  the  public  regarding  awareness  about railway  safety.  Trains  plying  between  Baramulla  and  Banihal  are  being escorted by RPF staff.

Annual budget allocation for infrastructure projects and safety works, falling fully/partly in Jammu & Kashmir is as under:-

| Period   | Budget Outlay   | Increase w.r.t. average allocation of 2009-14   |
|----------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 2009-14  | ₹1044 Cr./Yr    | -                                               |
| 2023-24  | ₹ 6003 Cr.      | More than 5 times                               |

The  completion  of  any  Railway  project(s)  depends  on  various  factors  like quick land acquisition by State Government, forest  clearance by officials of forest  department, deposition of cost  by  State Government in  Cost sharing projects,  shifting  of  infringing  utilities,  statutory  clearances  from  various authorities,  geological  and  topographical  conditions  of  area,  law  and  order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic considerations etc.

Various  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  for  effective  and  speedy implementation of rail projects include (i) setting up of Gati Shakti Directorate in the Ministry and Gati Shakti units in field, (ii) prioritisation of projects, (iii) substantial increase in allocation of funds, (iv) delegation of powers at field level, (v) close monitoring of progress of project at various levels (vi) regular follow up with State Governments and concerned authorities for expeditious land  acquisition,  forestry  and  Wildlife  clearances  and  for  resolving  other issues  pertaining  to  projects.    The  expansion  of  the  rail  line  in  Jammu  and Kashmir  is  benefiting  the  local  community  and  businesses  by  improving transportation and connectivity, boosting tourism, and facilitating the movement of goods and services. It's a positive development for the region. *****