Jammu, April 16:
The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (BADC) has officially welcomed the Ministry of Railways’ decision to sanction the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed Reasi–Poonch new railway line.
The survey, approved under the Northern Railway at a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs. 24 crore, is being viewed as a historic shift in addressing the connectivity grievances of border residents who have remained underserved for decades.
A Vision for Connectivity
Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of BADC and former Vice Chancellor, expressed his appreciation for the move, noting that it reflects a “renewed attention” from the Union government toward the specific needs of the border and tribal populations.
“This is a significant and long-awaited step,” Dr. Malik said in a statement released today. “Our organization has long pushed for better connectivity between these border districts and the mainland. This railway line is of immense strategic, economic, and social importance.”
Strategic & Defense Importance
The BADC Chairman highlighted that the project is not merely a transport initiative but a vital asset for national security.
“This railway line will also serve India’s strategic defense. It will bridge the gap between the remote frontier and the rest of the country, ensuring smoother logistics and social integration,” Dr. Malik added.
Community Aspirations: The Rajouri-Poonch Link
While welcoming the survey, the BADC issued a reminder to the authorities that the final draft must align with the local landscape. Dr. Malik emphasized that:
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The final route must include both Rajouri and Poonch districts to be truly effective.
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The aspirations and suggestions of the local border residents should be given significant weightage during the survey process.
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The project must move beyond “paperwork” and be completed within a strictly defined timeframe.
A Unified Effort
The former Vice Chancellor took the opportunity to thank the collective political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir. He credited Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and Panchayat representatives for keeping the demand for this rail link alive across various forums over the years.
Call to Action
The BADC has called on the Ministry of Railways and the Northern Railway authorities to conduct the survey without delay. The organization stressed the need for a quick transition from the survey phase to ground execution, ensuring that the people of these remote mountainous regions finally see tangible results.
