RailEnquiry

After ushering in a new era of development in the costal belt of Maharashtra, Konkan Railway (KR) is all set to replicate the same in Jammu and Kashmir as they are working on the ambitious project to build a rail link between Katra and Dharam. This part is a section of the larger 170-km rail route connecting Udhampur to Quazigund.Though the completion of the project is still at least half a decade away, local people have already started benefitting from the approach roads and tunnels constructed by the KR. It has brought a palpable socio-economic change in the life of the people here, especially those living in Bakkal, Kauri, Dugga, Dharam, and Barala in the Jammu region.Devraj Sharma, resident of Battal village in Udhampur district said because of the railway tunnel, travelling time to the town has been reduced significantly. “Earlier, it used to take at least 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Majatta. We had to either walk or take a pony ride. Now, we can reach in 25 to 30 minutes on two-wheelers,” he said.To construct the 70 km rail track connecting Katra to Dharam, the KR has undertaken the construction of 166-km-long approach and feeder roads and 18 tunnels. “We have completed 124-km-long road and of five tunnels which are 17.5 km long,” said executive director (project) Rajesh Agarwal.“Because of the roads, the government schemes have started reaching locals. We are happy that the approach road meant to take our machinery to the proposed rail line is being utilised by the locals.”

Commenting on the development, Deepankar Sengupta, a professor of economics at the Jammu University said, “Now wagons loaded with apples can Delhi in day. It will boost the J&K economy. Because of this project, urbanisation will happen and new cities will emerge near the railway stations. The current importance of Srinagar will decrease as it will also get decongested. People will prefer to stay in other cities too,” Sengupta explained.

Interestingly, three surrendered militants are working as labourers at Sangaldan, the proposed railway station site where militancy was at its peak some years ago.

“Once they (militants) were destructing the national wealth, today they are contributing to it,” said L Prakash, chief engineer, KR.

The remote Bakkal village in Reasi district was almost cut off from other districts due to no connectivity. Villagers had to walk at least 65km if they wanted to go to Salal or Reasi for any work.

“We had to cross mountain terrain on foot. Because of this, nearby villagers were reluctant to marry their daughters or sons,” said Jakir Hussain, a villager. But the Batal Gala tunnel has solved this problem too! GB Nagendra, chief engineer tunnel section said, “We have constructed 11-km-long approach road. Now, the Bakkal villagers are connected to the mainstream,” he said.

It is not only the people who are being benefitted. Once the project is complete, it would be easier even for the government to maintain the law and order in remote locations. “People can call police or the security forces if they face any trouble,” said TP Singh, assistant commander of central reserve police force (CRPF), Reasi.

And the project is generating employment too. Abdul Gani, a 40, resident of Sudva in Reasi district works as an unskilled labour in the KR tunnel drilling project.

“I am earning Rs12,000 per month. Because of my steady income, I was able to construct a pucca house. I have also decided to educate my children. We are living a better life now. Otherwise, I had no work once the four month farming season was over,” he said.

Gani is just one of the many who are reaping the benefits. Over 10,000 unskilled workers and 240 engineers have been roped in. “80% of the unskilled workers are locals. Even some engineers are from Srinagar,” said K Rajesh, deputy chief engineer.

At present, it takes eight hours to travel from Jammu to Srinagar. The national highway is mostly shut during the winter due to snowfall. This is all set the change. Rajesh Tripati, director (Pay and Work) KR said once the proposed rail route gets commissioned, people can regularly travel to any part of the country by a safe and regular mode of transport. “The travel time will come down significantly. It will take only 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Srinagar from Jammu,” he said.