New Delhi, May 30 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Saturday urged the Centre to revive and expedite the proposed Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch railway corridor, describing it as a project of strategic and developmental importance for the border districts of the Union Territory.
During a meeting with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi, Sharma highlighted the long-pending demand for rail connectivity to Rajouri and Poonch and sought priority consideration for the project, an official statement said.
Sharma said a survey for the proposed rail alignment had been conducted earlier and called for a fresh feasibility study and early execution of the project.
He noted that Rajouri and Poonch remain among the major regions in the country without rail connectivity despite their strategic significance and sizeable population.
The minister said the twin border districts frequently face disruptions in road connectivity due to adverse weather and difficult terrain, affecting the movement of people, essential supplies and emergency services. Rail connectivity, he said, would provide a reliable all-weather transport network and boost economic activity in the region.
Emphasising the security aspect, Sharma said the proposed rail corridor would strengthen logistical capabilities and facilitate faster movement of personnel and resources in the sensitive border region.
He also said the project would create opportunities in tourism, trade, industry and employment, helping integrate the districts more closely with the national economy.
According to the statement, Sharma urged the Railway Ministry to treat the project as a national priority and make necessary budgetary provisions for its implementation. He assured full cooperation from the Jammu and Kashmir administration in survey work, land acquisition and other administrative processes.
The Union railway minister assured Sharma that the demands and concerns raised during the meeting would be examined sympathetically, the statement said.
Besides railway infrastructure, Sharma also sought enhanced central support for Jammu and Kashmir’s digital transformation, including the establishment of IT parks, incubation centres and digital skill development hubs.
He advocated greater collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Jammu and Kashmir government in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-governance and startup development, while stressing the need to improve digital infrastructure in remote and border areas.(NVI)
