Publication of Notification in the official Gazette Extraordinary Part II Section 3, Sub Section (ii), under Section 37A of Railways Act, 1989 (Amendment 2008) for Special Railway Project namely 1. Doubling of Qazigund Srinagar Badgam (73.5 Km) on Jammu Divsion of Northern Railway in Jammu and Kashmir. 2. New BG Railway Line from Baramulla to Uri (40.2 Km) on Jammu Divsion of Northern Railway in Jammu and Kashmir. as a Special Railway Project.

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Railways on July 13, 2026, designates two specific rail infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir as "Special Railway Projects." Exercising powers under the Railways Act, 1989, and the Railways (Amendment) Act 2008, the Central Government has mandated these designations to take effect from the date of publication, July 17, 2026. The projects involve both the doubling of existing lines and the construction of new broad-gauge tracks. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authority and Effective Date** * The notification is issued under Clause (37A) of Section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989) and the Railways (Amendment) Act 2008. * The provisions of this notification come into force on July 17, 2026, upon its publication in the Official Gazette. **Designated Special Railway Projects** * **Doubling Project:** The doubling of the rail line from Qazigund to Srinagar-Badgam, covering a distance of 73.5 km within the Jammu Division. * **New Line Construction:** The development of a new Broad Gauge (BG) railway line from Baramulla to Uri, covering a distance of 40.2 km within the Jammu Division. **Geographic Scope** * Both projects are located within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. * The projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Northern Railway (Construction) department. **Impact Analysis** **Ministry of Railways / Northern Railway (Construction)** * **Impact:** The projects are now legally classified as "Special Railway Projects," which provides a specific statutory framework for their execution under the Railways Act. * **Action Required:** The Chief Administrative Officer (USBRL) and relevant departments must proceed with the construction and doubling works as per the technical specifications (73.5 km and 40.2 km respectively) outlined in the notification. **Government of Jammu & Kashmir** * **Impact:** The Union Territory is the site of significant infrastructure development involving over 113 km of railway expansion. * **Action Required:** Local authorities may need to coordinate with the Ministry of Railways regarding land or administrative support required for projects designated as "Special Railway Projects." **General Public / Residents of Jammu & Kashmir** * **Impact:** Residents in the Qazigund, Srinagar, Badgam, Baramulla, and Uri regions will be affected by the upcoming construction and the eventual enhancement of rail connectivity. * **Action Required:** No immediate action is required, but stakeholders should be aware of the official commencement of these high-priority infrastructure projects.

Key Entities Referenced