In a brief statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “I am happy to see the project completed. This was never about politics, but about connecting hearts and lands.”
 |
| 28 October 2009 : The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the inauguration of the Anantnag-Qazigund Rail Link, at Anantnag, in Jammu & Kashmir. The Governor of J&K, N.N. Vohra, the Railway Minister Mamata Bannerjee, the Chairperson, UPA, Sonia Gandhi and the Chief Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah are also seen. |
Srinagar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi friday inaugurated one of India's most significant infrastructure achievements — the Udhampur–Katra–Srinagar–Baramulla railway line, connecting the Kashmir Valley directly with the Indian mainland by rail for the first time in history. The event marks a new chapter in India’s strategic and developmental outreach to Jammu and Kashmir.
But while today’s ceremony brings the spotlight to the present government, the journey of this monumental project began decades ago and saw crucial political and engineering interventions along the way.
The idea of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India via rail was first conceptualized in the 1990s, but it remained largely on paper due to terrain challenges and lack of political momentum. It was during 2009, under the UPA government, that the project gained serious traction. Mamata Banerjee, the then Union Railway Minister, played a key role in breathing life into it by designating it as a 'National Project'.
This special status meant priority funding, expert oversight, and fast-tracked execution. Under her leadership, detailed planning for tunnels, viaducts, and engineering studies in the harsh Himalayan terrain accelerated. One of the project’s crown jewels — the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge — began construction during this phase.
The completed railway line spans approximately 330 kilometers, featuring some of the most challenging and innovative railway engineering in the world. It includes 38 tunnels and over 900 bridges, cutting through some of India’s most rugged and seismic-prone zones. Engineers had to design structures capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, snowfall, and landslides.
While inaugurating the final stretch today, PM Modi said, “This railway line is not just steel and stone — it is a lifeline for Kashmir and a symbol of unity, progress, and connectivity.” He emphasized the project's role in enhancing tourism, trade, and national integration.
However, opposition leaders and policy analysts have also pointed out the long and collaborative history behind this achievement. Trinamool Congress and Congress leaders have highlighted Mamata Banerjee’s foundational role in reviving and accelerating the project.
In a brief statement, Mamata Banerjee said, “I am happy to see the project completed. This was never about politics, but about connecting hearts and lands.”
With Kashmir now rail-connected to the rest of India, the valley is expected to witness a boost in trade, tourism, and employment. Local entrepreneurs, students, and service providers have welcomed the development, hoping for easier access to mainland markets and institutions.
The Udhampur–Baramulla railway project is more than just a piece of infrastructure — it is a legacy built across political tenures and bureaucratic leadership. While Prime Minister Modi rightly cut the ribbon on this historic day, the tracks were laid long ago — in plans, in vision, and in commitment by those who came before.
2009 : Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced in her first Railway Budget that the Anantnag - Qazigund section will be inaugurated soon.
Moreover, the Katra - Qazigund section (which was inaugurated today) has been sent to an expert committee for review. She will not compromise on safety.
In October 2009, the railway entered the Kashmir Valley for the first time with the help of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Anantnag - Qazigund section was inaugurated.
In the 2010 Railway Budget, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Katra - Qazigund section has been given clearance after review and work on this section and the Udhampur - Katra section will start in earnest.
In the 2011 Railway Budget, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that since several bridges are being built in the Kashmir railway project, a 'bridge construction factory' will be set up to expedite the work.
In addition, an Institute of Tunnel and Bridge Engineering will be set up in Kashmir.
In the 2012 Railway Budget, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi of Trinamool announced that the Kashmir railway project will be electrified and Rs 828 crore has been allocated for it.
Post a Comment