The government today approved a proposal to sanction over Rs 19,000 crore for the Udhampur- Baramulla rail project that was announced over 17 years ago to connect Kashmir Valley with Jammu.
The approval was given at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, official sources said, adding that the fund will be utilised for building rail tracks from Katra in Jammu to Qazigund. The deadline for completion of the project is 2017.
Sources said the delay in completion of the 290-km railway project has led to cost escalation, necessitating sanction of more money.
Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, who was keen on getting this fund sanctioned, was also present in the cabinet meeting.
Work on the 119-km Qazigund-Baramulla track was completed in 2009. It is still underway for Udhampur-Katra and Katra-Qazigund sections and the deadlines for completion of the two sections have been set at 2013 and 2017, respectively.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app