Onkar Singh
Travel by a train is decidedly less tiring, more comfortable and much faster than by a bus. A train moreover has many times over the capacity of a bus which makes it relatively cheaper mode of transportation. Furthermore, it has been argued to be less polluting and hence environment friendly, not to speak of its role in connecting geographically and culturally diverse territories of a country.
These and other such factors have contributed significantly in its expansion across the length and breath of India. Incidentally, Jammu and Kashmir is one of the fewer states where railways entered much late and its presence is still marginal even now that needs a big boost considering the state’s fast expanding economy and the consequent rising spatial mobility of its population.
Interestingly, this issue has been taken up for Kathua town by a voluntary group called Nav Kathua Railway Station Nirman Samiti. Formed a decade ago, this group has been demanding that the town be connected with the train. The Samiti argues that the existing railway station of Kathua is located at a distance of 7 kilometers from the old town which reduces its usefulness for the daily commuters to Jammu and beyond. As the existing train track bypasses the main town, its connectivity through a new railway line can bring all round development of this gateway urban settlement of the state.
The proposal of the Samiti states the construction of a new 18 kilometers long track between Sujanpur (Punjab) and Buddhi (Jammu and Kashmir) on Pathankot-Jammu railway line which will connect the old town of Kathua and its adjoining areas south of the existing track. Besides connectivity, the new track states the Samiti, solves a persisting issue of steep gradient on the existing track before the train enters Kathua Railway Station that brings the train to a sudden halt on the tracks obstructing in the process road traffic across the level crossing.
The Samiti has conducted a survey of the rural settlements through which the proposed line would pass. The survey shows that as many as 30 villages with a collective population of over 46,000 persons would benefit from the new track as the distance from the nearest railway station would be reduced by 78%. At present the shortest distance of the settlements from the railway line varies between 10 and 26 kilometers, whereas with the laying of new track it would vary between 1 and 8 kilometers. The new track, it is argued, would increase revenue for the Railways as a dominant majority of the 9,000 strong daily commuters between Jammu and Kathua would switch over to the train as against just 300 at present who use this mode of travel. As the western hinterland of the town is rich in agricultural produce including seasonal vegetables, fruits and dairy products the train service would expand the market and boost local economy. This is not all . The new Toll Plaza coming up at Nagri,a town along Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir border located 10 kilometers to the west of Kathua town and barely 2 kilometers from the proposed line, can be connected with the track for better freight movement which will add yet another important dimension to the role of railways in improving the living standard of population of the area.
The proposal carries many advantages. For instance, the entire land through which the proposed line passes lies in plains and is devoid of any settlements. Secondly, two – fifths of this land is owned by the state which can be easily acquired for the railway track. Thirdly, the people whose land would be affected too are willing to sell it if the project comes through, states the survey.
Endorsement for the project has come from all sections of the society, including common man, the senior citizens, local leadership and people’s representatives from the town, who had made representations to the then Union Minister for Railways, Sh. Lalu Prasad Yadav in the middle of 2008. This includes S.L Sharma, former President Municipal Council, Kathua, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, then M.L.A and currently Minister of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Choudhary Lal Singh, Member Parliament , who had argued for diversion of the proposed new track between Pathankot and Jammu via Kathua town.
Significantly, the letter written by Choudhary Lal Singh activated the Railway Ministry. A series of correspondences between railway officials at New Delhi, Ferozpur and Jammu Tawi from September 09, 2002 to November 02, 2008 referring to M P`s letter indicate the speed with which the Railways took up the matter. Interestingly every correspondence was marked as “very urgent”. As result, a prefeasibility survey was conducted results of which were submitted within less than 3 months. The letter No. 40-W/JAT of December 02,2008 written by the Assistant Divisional Engineer Northern Railways, Jammu Tawi to the Division Headquarters, Ferozpur on the findings of the prefeasibility survey stated, “The site has been checked and found feasible … for your kind information and further disposal, please.” The letter also contained a sketch of the proposed railway track, the spot heights and the proposed railway station. In principles therefore, the Railways had agreed to construct a new track for connecting the old town of Kathua as demanded by the Samiti.
Ironically however, the speed with which the prefeasibility survey was completed was not to be seen afterwards. It has been more than 4 years since the survey was completed. Yet the Railways have not moved any further on the project. Why? While the Samiti members are still optimistic and have been garnering support for the project with same enthusiasm they began with, the local leadership which showed them the way needs to take the matter to its logical conclusion. The project benefits them as much as the people of Kathua town and its periphery. It is a win-win proposition for all. So ,why the delay? Why??
(The writer teaches Geography at the GDC Kathua)
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