Rail budget rises to Rs 1,086 cr
Projects worth Rs 522 cr underway
New Delhi: The government Tuesday said the Union Budget 2026–27 has given renewed priority to railway infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on strengthening all-weather connectivity, improving passenger safety, and enhancing access to remote and border areas, including proposed rail extensions towards Uri.
According to the government, Indian Railways has prioritised Himalayan and border regions to ensure year-round transport links, particularly in areas prone to winter disruptions.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the expanded rail connectivity is expected to significantly benefit passengers, boost tourism, and strengthen local economies by improving access to markets, healthcare and education.
The government said the proposed extensions towards Uri will enhance connectivity to strategically important and remote areas along the Line of Control, ensuring uninterrupted rail movement even during harsh winters.
The move is also aimed at improving mobility for residents, pilgrims and tourists, while supporting economic activities in frontier districts.
The budget also lays emphasis on modernisation of rail infrastructure, enhanced safety systems, electrification, and station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
These measures, the government said, aim to provide safer, faster and more comfortable travel for passengers across the Union Territory.
As part of the broader Himalayan rail expansion plan, major investments are being made in difficult mountainous terrain to improve all-weather connectivity, reduce travel time, and strengthen disaster-resilient transport networks, the government added.
Official figures show that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed steady progress in railway development, with the annual average budget allocation increasing from Rs 1,044 crore in 2009–14 to Rs 1,086 crore in 2026–27, supporting ongoing projects worth Rs 522 crore.
The government said the fresh investments will accelerate project execution, improve service reliability, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth, tourism expansion and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
