The Government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that Northern Railway is conducting final location surveys for four new railway lines in the Kashmir Valley, assuring that landowners will receive compensation as per the law once the projects are approved.
Replying to a question by MLA Javid Hassan Baig on railway expansion, the Transport Department, said the proposed lines include Baramulla–Uri, Sopore–Kupwara, Anantnag–Bijbehara–Pahalgam, and Kakapora–Shopian.
The government stated that the alignments of the proposed lines have been finalised in consultation with the respective district administrations. “The land requirement has been assessed, and if the projects are sanctioned, compensation will be provided to landowners for land, trees, and structures in accordance with applicable laws,” the reply said.
Addressing concerns about the diversion of fertile agricultural land and the rehabilitation of affected farmers, the government reiterated that compensation will be provided as per legal provisions during project execution.
On environmental safeguards, the government said that once approved by the Government of India, all mitigation measures will be implemented following environmental policies and the latest guidelines to address deforestation, soil erosion, water resource disruption, and ecological imbalance.
Coordination with the Government of India and Indian Railways will continue throughout project execution to ensure social and environmental impacts are minimized. District administrations will also remain involved to address local concerns and ensure compliance with environmental and social norms. (Agency)
