Major push to enhance connectivity, train from Delhi to Srinagar
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, July 16: In a significant move to enhance connectivity in Jammu region and facilitate pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi, the Ministry of Railways is actively exploring an additional new rail line between Jammu and Katra for which Final Location Survey (FLS) has been sanctioned.
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The new rail line will also facilitate some trains running between Delhi and Katra to be extended up to Srinagar thus fulfilling demands of people in Kashmir.
Covering a length of 77.96 kilometres between Jammu and Katra, the Final Location Survey will be conducted at an estimated cost of Rs 12,59,17,363 to lay the groundwork for this future Railway Line.
“Because of tunnels and difficult terrain, double laning of the existing track between Jammu and Katra is not possible and hence an alternate line is being explored for which the location survey has been ordered,” official sources told the Excelsior.
Northern Railway, the executing authority for this project, will oversee the FLS, which will lay the groundwork for the future construction of this vital railway link.
Ministry of Railway’s sanction of Final Location Survey has been formally conveyed to the General Manager Northern Railway, vide communication number 2025/W-2/NR/FLS/04 (E-3491182), dated 14-07-2025.
This additional new line is expected to significantly ease travel for the devotees visiting the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, offering a more direct and efficient route.
Besides, it will facilitate extending some trains running between Delhi and Katra to Srinagar, which is being demanded by various organizations in Kashmir Valley.
Pertinent to mention that the existing rail line between Jammu and Katra, which is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is single lane and virtually overburdened as it has train traffic more than 100 percent of its designated capacity, leading to potential safety hazards and operational issues.
Further, because of curves and tunnels in Jammu -Katra rail link, it is not possible to run the trains beyond 75 km per hour on this track. The existing Jammu -Katra rail link comprises total 30 tunnels.
As double laning of the existing track between Jammu and Katra was necessity but the same was not possible because of tunnels and terrain, an alternate line is the only option for which Final Location Survey has been ordered.
According to official sources, the Final Location Survey is likely to be completed in next 8 to 10 months. If the location is found feasible, DPR of the new track will be prepared and submitted for allocation of funds for the project.
According to Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relation Officer, Northern Railway, move for the Final Location Survey reflects the ongoing efforts by Indian Railways to expand and modernise its network nationwide, particularly in regions of high strategic and public importance.
“This initiative is designed not only to enhance pilgrimage, tourism but also to contribute to the economic growth and development of the Jammu region. This strategic project underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to bolstering infrastructure and improving accessibility to key destinations,” he said.
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