Union Minister Jitendra Singh shares assurance; Vaishnaw dismisses misinformation campaign
Udhampur, August 27: Amid speculation that the proposed new rail track between Jammu and Katra would bypass Udhampur, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified that no such decision has been taken and all stakeholders will be consulted before finalizing the alignment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and MP from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda, shared the Minister’s assurance, noting that a “fake impression” was being created by certain elements to mislead the public and question the government’s intent.
Mr. Vaishnaw said a feasibility study was being conducted after accepting, in principle, the proposal for construction of an additional track on the busy route. “The process of determining the alignment has not yet begun. Once it is initiated, the interests of all stakeholders will be taken into confidence,” he stated.
The Minister further conveyed that “nowhere was it mentioned verbally or in writing that the MCTM Udhampur Railway Station will not be part of the new route. No final conclusions can be drawn until the feasibility report is available.”
Expressing disappointment over attempts to spread misinformation, he said such campaigns sought to undermine the achievements of the present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The railway track that had reached Jammu in 1972 was extended to the Valley only under this government, after a delay of more than 50 years,” he pointed out.
Importantly, Udhampur is one of only two stations in Jammu and Kashmir—alongside Budgam—to be included in the Centre’s “Amrit Bharat Railway Station” programme, highlighting the priority accorded to the region.
The scope of redevelopment at MCTM Udhampur Railway Station includes:
1. Improvement of Platforms No. 1, 2 and 3
2. Construction of new Platforms 4 and 5
3. Extension of the Foot Over Bridge to the new platforms
4. Upgradation of the station building
5. Circulating area improvement
6. Installation of lifts and elevators
Mr. Vaishnaw also criticized the Congress for delaying rail connectivity projects. He said successive governments failed to extend the track beyond Jammu for decades owing to “discriminatory policies,” whereas the Modi government ensured that pending projects were fast-tracked.