SRINAGAR: Minister Satish Sharma on Saturday met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and strongly projected the long-pending demand for rail connectivity to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
During the meeting, Sharma urged the Union Railway Ministry to accord priority to the proposed Jammu–Akhnoor–Dori Dager–Sunderbani–Nowshera–Rajouri–Poonch rail corridor, describing it as a project of immense strategic, economic and social significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly residents of the border districts.
The Minister said a survey for the proposed rail alignment had already been conducted in the past and stressed the need for its revival and early execution. He pointed out that Rajouri and Poonch continue to remain among the few major regions in the country without rail connectivity despite their strategic importance and sizeable population.
Highlighting the persistent connectivity challenges faced by the twin border districts, Sharma said adverse weather conditions, road blockades and difficult terrain frequently disrupt movement of people, essential commodities and emergency services. He maintained that rail connectivity would provide a reliable all-weather transportation network and significantly improve accessibility while boosting economic activity and the overall quality of life.
Emphasising the national security aspect of the project, Sharma said Rajouri and Poonch share a sensitive international border and have historically played a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s interests. He said a rail corridor to the region would strengthen civilian connectivity and enhance logistical capabilities for movement of personnel and resources whenever required.
The Minister said the project would also open new avenues for tourism, trade, industry and employment generation in the region. Improved rail infrastructure, he added, would help integrate the border districts more closely with the national economy and accelerate socio-economic development.
During the discussion, Sharma urged the Railway Ministry to commission a fresh feasibility study based on the earlier survey, declare the project a national priority in view of its strategic location and make appropriate budgetary provisions for its implementation.
He also assured full cooperation from the Jammu and Kashmir Government at every stage of the project, including survey work, land acquisition, clearances and other administrative requirements.
Calling the rail link a long-awaited developmental necessity, Sharma said the project would bring the border districts closer to the national mainstream and ensure equitable access to growth opportunities.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured the J&K Minister that the concerns and demands raised during the meeting would be examined sympathetically.
Apart from railway connectivity, Sharma also raised several issues related to the Information Technology sector and sought enhanced support from the Government of India for accelerating Jammu and Kashmir’s digital transformation.
He urged the Centre to facilitate establishment of advanced IT infrastructure and innovation ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir, including IT parks, incubation centres and digital skill development hubs. Sharma said such initiatives would create employment opportunities for youth and position the Union Territory as an emerging destination for technology-driven investments.
The Minister also sought greater collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the UT Government in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-governance, digital service delivery and startup development.
He further called for expansion of digital infrastructure in remote and border areas to ensure seamless internet connectivity and access to digital services, saying improved digital access would strengthen governance, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and citizen service delivery in underserved regions.
