Jammu & Kashmir Sees Sustained Railway Budget Allocation, Infrastructure Push

Global Kashmir Desk

Srinagar : The railway budget presented by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined continued financial support for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir, with the annual average allocation rising to Rs. 1,086 crore in 2026–27, compared to Rs. 1,044 crore during the 2009–14 period.

Officials said the funding has supported a wide range of infrastructure works, with projects worth Rs. 522 crore currently under progress across the Union Territory. These include station redevelopment and safety-related enhancements aimed at strengthening the rail network.

Under the Amrit Station Scheme, four railway stations in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified for complete redevelopment. A total investment of Rs. 293 crore has been earmarked for station modernisation to improve passenger amenities and the overall travel experience.
Rail connectivity in the region has also expanded with the introduction of premium train services. At present, five pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are operational, improving travel efficiency across key routes.

Network expansion has gathered pace over the past decade. Since 2014, around 150 km of new railway tracks have been constructed in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has also achieved 100 per cent railway electrification, with 407 km of rail lines electrified during the same period.

In addition, railway infrastructure development includes the construction of six flyovers and underpasses to enhance safety and ease rail-road movement.