Completion of crucial developmental projects in J&K, particularly those in which the Centre is directly involved, is being pursued with all seriousness. The recently held meeting at PMO observed that the crucial and strategic rail link between Banihal and Qazigund in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla sector is likely to be commissioned in April-May this year. The eleven km long railway tunnel will reduce Banihal-Qazigund distance by 17 kilometers and will also make it functional all the year round. It has been recognized that the project of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by railway will bring about sea change in the economic and social life of the people of the entire State. With this achievement that brings another feather in the cap of Indian engineers, the hitherto impregnable Pir Panchal range will be dented and round the year connectivity ensured. In strategic terms also, this rail link will immensely strengthen our defence of the northern frontier. The project has good capacity of providing employment to local youth as well. Kashmir fruit industry will receive a big boost because with the rail link in place, fresh horticulture products can be marketed even in far off and distant towns of the country. For tourists and pilgrim tourists, rail link is a special boon. Above everything else, rail link to Kashmir indicates Government of India’s firm determination of providing the necessary infrastructure to the State that will help it move faster along the path of development.
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