Jammu: Indian Railways has approved critical infrastructure protection and rehabilitation works worth ₹238 crore on the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra rail section to enhance long-term safety and operational reliability on the strategically important route.
The sanctioned works include slope stabilisation, tunnel rehabilitation, bridge protection measures, treatment of tunnel seepage issues and other safety interventions at vulnerable locations along the Northern Railway section connecting Jammu with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra.
Announcing the approval, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable rail connectivity in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
He said the protection and rehabilitation works were sanctioned following a detailed assessment of cuttings, bridges and tunnels on the route.
“These works will strengthen the long-term safety and reliability of this strategically important section,” Vaishnaw said.
The Jammu-Katra rail corridor, which serves millions of pilgrims and passengers annually, has faced multiple engineering and operational challenges over the years due to difficult terrain, adverse geological conditions and extreme weather events.
Officials said Indian Railways has consistently addressed these challenges through resilient infrastructure development and timely execution of maintenance and protection works.
With the latest sanction, the route is expected to become more resilient and safer for rail operations, ensuring improved reliability and passenger confidence in the years ahead.
The Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section is considered one of the key rail links in Northern India and plays a vital role in pilgrimage tourism and regional connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
