Parliament Question: Proposed railway alignment in Pulwama district, J&K

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 912 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026 PROPOSED RAILWAY ALIGNMENT IN PULWAMA DISTRICT, J&K 912 SHRI CHOWDRY MOHAMMAD RAMZAN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that inhabitants of villages Kangan, Babhar, Sona Samil and Arabal in District Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, have strongly objected to the proposed railway track alignment, citing serious risks to residential habitations, fertile horticultural land and environmental safety; (b) whether these objections and representations have been examined by the competent authorities; (c) whether any fresh technical, environmental or social impact review has been proposed; and (d) whether Government will consider a safer alternative alignment while ensuring protection of livelihoods and public safety? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (d): To extend rail connectivity in Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir, a survey for Avantipore (Kakapora) - Shopian (28 km) New line has been completed. However, the project is assessed to be infeasible and therefore it is dropped. *****