Opinion | Railways : Trailblazing in Economic Growth and Development 

Nations economic buildation lies upo it’s strenuous rail connectivity with native and foreign states. A strong nations economic development vividly found it’s frequent engagements and trade relations. Apart from nations economic growth,the opportunity for local economy also gets boosted. In contemporary times railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers across the country. It drives  multifaceted  economic activities.

Rail connectivity is the fundamental of nations economic prosperity. Economic development in broader sense, refers to the economic well-being, and quality of life. Investment in railways truely enable the nation to meet it’s long term goals. Nations progressive development lies upon its sound connectivity, transportation, infrastructure in order to promote trade and commerce. Rail connectivity is cheap  and safe in carrying goods and services. Kashmir in past decades were lagging behind in these  conectivities because of it’s hilly and himalayan regions due that  industrial, trade and commerce sector remained less in productive outcomes.But BJP led by Narender Modi fulfilled this long and distant dream by carving and constructing the long and higest bridges in Jammu and Kashmir. The tallest railway bridge was constructed by northern railway at an estimated cost of Rs 28000 crores as a part of Udhampur Srinagar Baramullah rail link project. This railway bridge would bebe 35 meters higher than Effiel Tower in Paris and France.

Railways can play an immense role in integrating markets and trade. It paves way for socio-economic development as well. It is an agency which promotes growth and development. It can lead to employment generation, tourism, and industrial development. UT of J and K is considered an economically backward due to weather situation as it remained disconnected with rest of states that too in peak months. But railway proliferation became an asset to the development. Rilways lines can connect isolated areas to a larger economic centres, markets, and transportation hubs.

Railway projects can enhance the transportation, and help to transport raw materials and finished goods easily. Rail connectivity can attract the industrial investment to the region. Railway connectivity especially in JK can profoundly help in tourism growth and hospitability, creating jobs and boost local economies. Keeping in view the obstacles in trade, commerce and tourism in JK Prime Minister Narender Modi recent visit in JK to inaugurate railway initiatives like, Banhial to Khari and Baramullah Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan were the key to promote tourism, trade and commerce. The srinagar-Jammu higways used to closed for vehicular movements for long period due to landslides, blockade and packed jamms. Such initiatives can surely uplift the local economy of the region.

Railway projects can also stimulate urbanization and also lead to the development of supporting infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and other prominent facilities. The high speed trains, electrified trains, connect urban  centers efficiently, facilitate the movement of people and goods. Railway connectivity can effectively help  the manufacturers to expand production facilities and reduce transportation costs and improve supply chain efficiency. Rilways can also help in the promotion of regional development by encouraging economic activity that were previously marginalized.

To put in succinct, railways act as boon in economic development and promotes tourism, avenues for job opportunity and industrial growth,free low of export and import of goods and services, hassle free travelling on minimum charges,considerable reduction in travel time and many more. Railways are known as lifelines of a country.

Qysar Ul Islam Shah Teacher and Colomunist.