Indian Railways approves Rs 238 crore safety upgrade works on Jammu-Katra rail section
Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Railways has approved ₹238 crore worth of slope stabilisation, tunnel rehabilitation and bridge protection works on the Jammu-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section of Northern Railway to enhance safety and strengthen the resilience of the strategically important rail route.
The sanctioned works include slope stabilisation measures, tunnel seepage treatment, bridge protection interventions and other safety-related upgrades at vulnerable locations along the Jammu–Katra corridor, which serves millions of pilgrims and passengers annually.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable rail connectivity in some of the country’s most challenging terrains.
“Following a detailed assessment of cuttings, bridges and tunnels, protection and rehabilitation works have been sanctioned. These works will strengthen the long-term safety and reliability of this strategically important section,” Vaishnaw said.
The Ministry of Railways noted that the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra section has faced several engineering and operational challenges due to difficult terrain, adverse geological conditions and extreme weather events. Despite these challenges, the route has remained operational through continuous infrastructure maintenance and timely interventions.
The newly approved protection and rehabilitation works are expected to make the corridor more resilient and improve operational reliability, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The Ministry said the safety upgrades will help ensure smoother and safer rail services on the important pilgrimage route connecting Jammu with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the country’s most visited religious destinations.
The approval forms part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and enhance passenger safety across critical railway corridors in the country.
(DD News)
