From Our Reporter
KASHMIR, Dec 19: The picturesque valley of Kashmir is set to join the Indian Railways network as the 111-km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project nears completion. While this iconic project is welcomed as a milestone in the region’s development, apprehensions about the potential influx of outsiders echo concerns voiced in Meghalaya, where fear of influx has made railways a non-starter.
In Meghalaya, pressure groups have long opposed railway projects, citing fears that an influx of outsiders would disrupt the socio-economic fabric of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. These groups have demanded the establishment of a robust mechanism to manage the influx before giving their approval to rail connectivity.
Similarly, in Kashmir, the challenging terrain made the railway project a near-impossible task. Now that the project is close to completion, residents welcome the development but share concerns about its possible ramifications.
Nisar Ahmed, a tourist cab driver from Anantnag, acknowledged the project’s potential benefits for the region. However, he expressed concern about its impact on the transport sector, noting that many people might opt for train travel instead of road transport. He also feared that the railway could lead to a 60% rise in crime in the valley.
“It’s an individual’s choice how they see the railways in Kashmir,” Ahmed remarked. “Those who gave their land for the project did not oppose it, so why should we oppose such development?”
He suggested, however, that landowners could have leased their land to the railways for 30-40 years instead of selling it outright, preserving an asset for future generations.
Once the Katra-Banihal project is completed, Jammu will be connected to Kashmir by rail, marking a significant achievement. Yet, while Kashmir has embraced the railway project, Meghalaya remains firm in its opposition until a mechanism to manage the influx is in place.
Abdur Rashid, a physically disabled father of three, selling Kashmiri Kahwa in Gulmarg, also welcomed the project but shared his concerns, saying, “Jobs are limited here, and with the railways, it will become even harder for locals to secure employment.” He explained that that he sells Kahwa to tourists to support his three daughters despite his physical challenges.
On the other hand, Mohammad Manzoor, a ‘shikara’ (a wooden boat found on Dal Lake and other places of Jammu and Kashmir) operator on Dal Lake, wholeheartedly supported the project. “We want more tourists to visit Kashmir,” he said. “Tourism is one of the most important sectors for our livelihood.” Manzoor noted that around 2,000-3,000 tourists visit Dal Lake daily, and the number has grown significantly with improved conditions in the valley.
