USBRL set to revolutionise socio-economic development of J&K

Jammu, Jun 5: Strategically crucial Udhampur-Srinagar- Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which will be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister NarendraModi on June 6, is being perceived to be a game-changer engine of growth for Jammu and Kashmir.

The 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, officially speaking, will establish all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and driving socio-economic integration. But how? The first and foremost change to spur socio-economic development of J&K will be in terms of connectivity.  It will provide an alternative to Srinagar Jammu National Highway – a critical life-line connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country yet anytime it goes “off-line” given its vulnerability to ecological disasters.

But USBRL will provide a reliable all weather transportation system to Jammu and Kashmir.   As the Union Minister of State in PMO DrJitendra Singh too points out that Chenab bridge, a critical part of USBRL project, is more than infrastructure. “Chenab bridge, as part of USBRL, is the pulse of a rising Jammu and Kashmir. It is the beginning of a bold new chapter in connectivity – from trade and tourism to empower farmers and local communities. It is where dreams meet development and Viksit Bharat takes yet another proud step forward,” he sums up revolutionary change the project is all set to bring about in the lives of people of J&K. Railway officials point out that the process of bringing about socio-economic development has already begun.

“205 kms of approach roads constructed for the project have provided connectivity to inaccessible areas. 73 villages, comprising 1.5 lakh population, have been benefited from them. Even during its construction, more than 500 lakh mandays of employment were generated in the crucial Katra-Banihal section of the project. 65 percent of employment was given to locals. Besides, permanent jobs were given in Railways to 799 land-providers. Skill development training was given to artisans. Most of the beneficiaries are employed now,” they share. “Now that the project is complete and will become operational, it will change the face of trade, tourism and agri-economy of J&K to an unimaginable level,” they assert.

Recent example in this connection was the successful initiative of departure of the first cherry cargo train (parcel van) from Katra to Mumbai after the formation of the Jammu Railway Division on May 31. The objective was to capture “perishable traffic.”

The Division has two more indents (registration of wagon demand) for loading of cherries. According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) UchitSinghal, it was heartening that the traders gave priority to rail transport instead of road transport. “This is a good beginning due to which the economy of Jammu and Kashmir region will also get strengthened. As earlier I’ve said that it will be a win-win situation for both railways and fruit growers and the horticulture department and in turn the economy of the J&K region. Along with increase in revenue, the confidence of traders would also increase on rail transport,” Singhal reiterates.

The Prime Minister too in his recent posts have mentioned that the USBRL project will ensure all weather connectivity and the introduction of Vande Bharat trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and generate employment. “Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others,” PM stated.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha points out that the project will usher a new era for J&K, ensuring rapid social and economic change and prosperous society. “It will unlock the potential of J&K, generate employment and increase overall business growth,” he stated.   Yet another crucial point was touched by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, when he said that the project would provide reprieve to the people from “exploitative tactics of air service-providers” vis-a-vis sky-rocketing ticket rates in case of NH closure.