SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CHALLENGES ON USBRL PROJECT

Brief history and time line:  Linking Kashmir with Indian Railway network is centuries old dreams. The first idea for building a narrow gauge rail link to the Kashmir Valley was mooted over a century ago, when foundation stone laid for Jammu – Srinagar rail link by Maharaja Pratap Singh on 1st March 1892, later in 1898 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Four viable routes were found to link Punjab with Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley, the Banihal route from Jammu, the Poonch route via the Jhelum Valley, the Panjar route from Rawalpindi also via the Jhelum Valley and the Abbottabad route from Kalako Serai though Hazara in the upper Jhelum Valley. Detailed surveys were conducted for a mix of meter and broad gauge tracks. However, the inhospitable climate, the tricky terrain, restricted resources and history confined this idea to survey reports and drawing boards.

In 1905 the British also revisited the idea and Maharaja Pratap Singh agreed to the line between Jammu and Srinagar via Reasi following the Moghul road. This plan envisaged a narrow gauge track to cross the Pir Panjal range, but the project remained a dream only.

The project was considered several times after independence also, but it was only in the year 1981 sanction was given for the Jammu-Udhampur Rail link project.

In 1994-95, the final Rail link between Udhampur– Srinagar–Baramulla (USBRL) was sanctioned and in the year 2002, the central government declared this Railway line a National Project.

Some of the important key events/ mile stones during the journey of making reality the dream of connecting Kashmir valley with the network of Indian Railways are as follows:

• 1981: Jammu – Udhampur Rail Link Sanctioned
• 1994: Extension of Rail link to Srinagar announced.
• 1995: Works on Udhampur – Katra Rail Link Started.
• 1999: Works on Qazigund – Baramulla Rail Link started.
• 2002: Works on Katra – Qazigund Rail Link started.
• 13 Apr 2005: Jammu – Udhampur Section opened.
• 11 Oct 2008: Mazhom – Anantnag Section opened.
• 14 Feb 2009: Baramulla – Mazhom Section opened.
• 28 Oct 2009: Anantnag – Qazigund Section opened.
• 26 June 2013: Banihal-Qazigund Section opened.
• 4 July 2014: Udhampur-Katra section opened.
• 20 Feb 2024: Banihal-Sangaldan section opened.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS:

1. Employment generation:
2. Direct employment by Railways for land loser: Government has issued a policy for appointment of member of land losers, whose more than 75% land acquired by Railways. Against this policy, government jobs for 804 No. eligible beneficiaries were given by Railways.
3. Indirect employment through executing agencies: In this project, 14069 No. employment was given by project executing agencies during construction period. Among which 65% employment given to locals of J&K.
4. More than 525 lacs man days of employment have been generated on this project.

2. Skilled development for local artesian: All the works on USBRL project whether, tunneling, bridge works, electrification, track laying, electro-mechanical works are highly specialized and executed through state-of-the-art technology and methods. Tremendous skill development of the local artisans and workers were resulted and now these workers are successfully working as trained skilled workers on other precious projects of the country.
3. Accessibility: The project sites were highly inaccessible and militancy intensified during the period of inception. With the inception of this project, construction of access road commenced in these remote locations. USBRL has constructed more than 215 km approach roads to provide access for tunnel and bridges sites. The construction of these approach roads are very challenging in itself due to difficult climatic conditions, treacherous terrain, unstable Himalayan geology and  law & order issues.

With a view to accelerate progress of construction of Approach road up to most remote part of project, i.e Sawalkote ,airlift of heavy construction machineries using army helicopters from Jammu airport was done. A table top helipad was constructed by levelling a 100 m x 40m stretch of land near Surukote village in between Dugga and Sawalkote using mere hand tools. MI-26 Helicopters was used for heli-lifting of heavy construction machines, sorties had been conducted and 226 MT load was air lifted to Surukot (Photo enclosed).

With the completion of these approach roads, the connectivity of large number of surrounding villages such as  Guni, Paikhad, Gran, BatalGala, Bakkal, Kauri, Dugga, Surukot, sawalkot, Basindhadhar, Ind, Baralla, Sangaldan, Talwa, Dharam,kholi, Megdar, sumbar, urnihal, siran, kundan, khari, Hingni, Arpinchala, Tatnihal, Chaplain, Bankoot etc. to name a few in Jammu & Kashmir have drastically improved. It has ensured connectivity to about 70 villages consisting of about 1.5 lacs population.

Earlier, the access to these villages was primarily through footpaths or by boat to some extent. Locals would walk along slippery slopes and rock ridges of the hardest, torn terrain to reach to township having roads and means of transport to travel to district headquarters and other places. These villages were cut off from civilization due to lack of roads.

It would be worthwhile to witness the changing landscape of commercial activities in these villages with the opening of market places, repair workshop, roadside local restaurants (dhabas) etc. it has opened up new avenues and vistas  of opportunities to  remotely located  population

These remote villages and towns, which were bereft of even the most basic facilities, are becoming centre of learning and commercial activities.

4. Enhanced Connectivity, and Improved Transportation

The USBRL project provides faster and more reliable transport options, reducing travel time significantly. This improved connectivity benefits both people and goods, enabling better movement between remote and urban areas. The railway line connects key pilgrimage sites like Shri Amarnath Cave temple, Hazratbal shrine, Charar-e-Sharif etc. and beautiful picturesque Kashmir valley, attracting more devotees and tourists to the region. This boosts the tourism industry, leading to increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and other services.

5. Economic Growth:

1. Boost to Local Businesses: With improved access to national markets, local businesses, especially those involved in agriculture, handicrafts, and local products, can now reach larger markets, driving sales and revenue growth.

1. Industrial Development: The rail link facilitates the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, encouraging the establishment of new industries, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. This could lead to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

• Boost to Agriculture and Trade: The railway network will help in the smooth transportation of Kashmir’s agricultural products like saffron, apples, and handicrafts to other regions, boosting trade and exports of agricultural prodects.

1. Access to National and International Markets: Farmers and local businesses will be able to sell their products beyond the region, giving them access to larger markets and promoting economic diversity in the region.

6. Social Integration and Cohesion: The railway line will connect different communities, promoting social integration and cohesion across regions. People from various parts of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as other states, will be able to interact more frequently, fostering a sense of unity. With improved transportation, cultural exchange will increase, bringing people together to share experiences, traditions, and resources, contributing to greater cultural understanding and tolerance.
7. National Security and Strategic Importance: The railway will also contribute to national security by facilitating quicker mobilization of resources, including military supplies, and improving strategic movement within the region. This strengthens the overall security infrastructure and creates a sense of stability, which is essential for sustained socio-economic development.
8. Environmental Benefits: The introduction of an electrified railway line reduces dependence on road transport, which is more carbon-intensive. It provides an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, contributing to a reduction in the region’s overall carbon footprint.

The construction of the new railway line in the USBRL project will significantly impact the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir. It will improve infrastructure, generate employment, boost trade, and enhance connectivity, leading to long-term economic prosperity. Additionally, it will contribute to greater social integration, better access to essential services, and overall improved living standards for the people of the region. This multi-faceted development ensures that the USBRL project plays a crucial role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.