Srinagar- A senior northern railway official said on Thursday that Kashmir Valley will be connected to Jammu and rest of the country by next year and the all-weather and cost-effective connectivity shall be a boon for economy of the Union Territory.
Manager Northern Railway (NR), Ashutosh Gangal made these remarks during his meeting with Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, here on Thursday, an official spokesperson said. Gangal, he said, apprised the Chief Secretary about the status of the ongoing works on Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL).
“Chief Secretary was informed that it is expected that Kashmir valley would be connected to the Jammu and rest of the country during 2023, providing efficient connectivity to Kashmir valley with other parts of the country by rail. The all-weather and cost-effective connectivity shall be a boon for economy of J&K,” the spokesperson said.
The GM Northern Railway, he said, briefed the Chief Secretary about the works that have been finished, or nearing completion, works under progress, and the adherence to the set timelines to dedicate the project to the people at the earliest.
“Chief Secretary was informed about the work on the intervening 111 kms of Katra-Banihal section which is going on in full swing despite challenging and inhospitable terrain,” he added.
According to the spokesperson, the Chief Secretary while appreciating the Railways for the work done with respect to connecting the Jammu and Kashmir region with the rest of India, observed that the railway line will act as a catalyst for the overall development, progress, and prosperity of the region and shall play important role in rapid industrialization, movement of raw materials, boost trade and tourism, besides providing opportunity for employment generation.
Mehta, he said, assured all possible support and cooperation from the UT administration to finish the project within the given timeline.
“General Manager NR also thanked the Chief Secretary for the UT administration’s support that has been extended to the Railway for executing the several projects and finishing those in a time-bound manner,” the spokesperson added.
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