Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 3: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has said that three train projects in Jammu and Kashmir, which were opposed by the elected Government, have been put in abeyance for the time being.
The decision was welcomed by the ruling National Conference and the opposition PDP, which said it had provided relief to farmers whose land was to be acquired for the projects.
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“There was a demand for three railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir but the Government here and the local MPs had opposed the projects as there was apprehension of damage to apple orchards. These projects have been stopped for the time being,” Vaishnav said at a press conference in Jammu on Monday.
Although Vaishnav did not specify the projects that have been stopped, it apparently includes the rail link to Pahalgam, which has drawn opposition from both NC and PDP.
A section of farmers had also launched an aggressive social media campaign against the railway project saying it would affect the livelihood of thousands of families.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the Railway Ministry’s decision to put three projects on halt in the Union Territory, but requested an increase in the frequency and number of coaches of Vande Bharat trains operating between Katra and Srinagar.
“Regarding the railway lines, there was no specific public demand for these routes. The road conditions there are good, and proper highways have already been built. The routes that were proposed for these railway lines were passing through our productive orchards and tourist areas, particularly towards Pahalgam.
“Elected representatives from those areas, MLAs, and local residents met me and said that this railway line would not benefit them; instead, it would cause them losses. They asked me to convey this concern to the Centre,” the Chief Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here this evening.
Abdullah said he discussed the matter with the railway minister on couple of times and told him to assess it personally.
“I said that if the intention is to take the railway via Pahalgam to Ladakh or to connect Rajouri-Poonch through Shopian, then we can agree to that. But if the railway line merely touches Pahalgam and Shopian without serving any real demand, then it will not be of much use. Instead, it will only lead to the acquisition of our valuable land,” he said.
To his credit, the chief minister said he understood the sentiments of the people, and the projects have been put on hold. “This matter was examined thoroughly before taking that decision.”
Responding to another question on the successful operation of Vande Bharat trains connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country despite recent heavy snowfall, he said the rail connectivity was a welcome step but added that the frequency of the trains and the number of coaches needed to be increased.
“The situation is that we are not able to get tickets for the Vande Bharat train. When Vande Bharat was announced, people thought that on days when flights are cancelled or highways are closed, we would simply board the train.
“But now I am told that I have to book tickets three to four months in advance, and only then might I get a seat on Vande Bharat. How am I supposed to know what the condition of the road will be four months from now?” the Chief Minister said.
He congratulated the Railways on the successful operation of the train but said, “Along with that, I have two requests – first, the frequency of Vande Bharat should be increased; second, the length of the train should be extended.”
“This is the shortest version of the train, with only eight coaches. Recently, I came to know that Vande Bharat trains with 16, 18, or even 20 coaches are being introduced. So let us not talk about 16 or 20 for now – at least increase it from eight to 12 coaches,” he said.
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