The Centre has put on hold three proposed railway projects in Kashmir after sustained objections from local residents and elected representatives, who warned that the new lines would lead to large-scale land acquisition and irreparable damage to apple orchards.
The decision was announced on February 3 by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, following months of protests across Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag districts, where growers and residents have been opposing the projects.
“There is already a railway line connecting Srinagar and Baramulla, and there was a demand for three additional rail lines,” Vaishnaw said, according to local news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
“However, concerns were raised by the Jammu and Kashmir government and Members of Parliament that these alignments would significantly impact apple orchards. In view of these concerns, the proposed projects have been put on hold.”
Apple cultivation is the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy, and locals fear that the acquisition of agricultural and horticultural land for railway construction would not only damage orchards but also displace families dependent on them for livelihood.
Over the past few months, several protest demonstrations have been held in south Kashmir, with residents demanding that the proposed rail lines be rerouted.
Protesters have also sought fair compensation and meaningful consultation with affected communities before any land is acquired.
The move to pause the projects is being seen as a response to mounting public pressure, even as uncertainty remains over whether the proposals will be reworked or revived with altered alignments in the future.
