Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): The shelving of Baramulla-Uri railway line has triggered mixed reactions from Baramulla and Uri MLAs, with Javid Baig welcoming the withdrawal of the project, while the Uri MLA urged the Government of India to reconsider the decision and explore an alternative alignment.
The Ministry of Railways, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has stated that the proposed 46-km Baramulla-Uri new rail line was returned by the Cabinet Secretariat and is “no longer under consideration.”
The ministry has also clarified that preparation of a Detailed Project Report does not amount to final sanction.
Baig said Baramulla has extremely limited land available for expansion and that several areas around the town are fragile, unstable and prone to landslides.
“Baramulla could have paid a very heavy price,” Baig said, arguing that a railway line through the heart of the town could have affected a large population and compromised its future development.
He said he had raised the concerns with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Government of India and had sought proper assessment of the vulnerable areas before any decision on the project.
Baig said he welcomed the withdrawal of the project in the larger interest of Baramulla, maintaining that development should protect the town’s heritage, environment and limited land resources.
However, the Uri MLA Dr. Sajad Shafi opposed shelving the project and urged the Centre to reconsider its decision, saying the proposed railway line was a major source of hope for development and employment in Uri.
The MLA said concerns related to the alignment could be addressed without abandoning the project.
“Alignment change is the solution, but the project should not be shelved,” he said.
He urged the Government of India to consider a fresh alignment and prepare a new DPR, saying the railway line was important for improving connectivity, generating employment and supporting economic development in Uri—(KNO)