Railway minister announces FLS approval for additional rail line between Jammu-Katra

Jammu, Jul 31: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the approval of Final Location Survey (FLS) for an additional new rail line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra covering a length of 77.96 kilometres.

Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, while sharing a letter of the Railways Minister on social media in this connection, extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to him (Vaishnaw) and asserted that the decision would ensure convenience and ease in transportation for passengers and devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi.

Dr Jitendra noted, “It is a result of the highest priority given to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014 that after a long gap of 50 years, rail services are now reaching the Kashmir Valley.”

Earlier, Vaishnaw, in his letter written on July 16, 2025 and addressed to Dr Jitendra referred to the discussion with him (Dr Jitendra) regarding survey for the construction of an additional new railway line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.

“You will be pleased to note that the Final Location Survey (FLS) has been approved for it (additional new rail line between Jammu and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra,” Vaishnaw wrote.

Notably, with regard to this new additional rail line, the survey will be undertaken by Northern Railway at an estimated cost of Rs 12.59 Cr.

As per railway authorities, this Final Location Survey (FLS) will lay the groundwork for the future construction of this vital railway link. Northern Railway, the executing authority for this project, will oversee the FLS. It will be conducted at an estimated cost of Rs 12,59,17,363 to lay the groundwork for this future Railway Line.

“This initiative is expected to enhance rail connectivity to the prominent pilgrimage destination of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and improve transport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir,” they said.

“It also reflects the ongoing efforts by Indian Railways to expand and modernise its network nationwide, particularly in regions of high strategic and public importance. The initiative was designed not only to enhance pilgrimage, tourism but also to contribute to the economic growth and development of the Jammu region,” Northern Railway authorities stated.