Centre halts work on three proposed railway projects in Kashmir

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 03 (STC): Three proposed railway projects in Kashmir have been put on hold by the Centre after locals and elected representatives raised concerns over large-scale land acquisition and its impact on apple orchards.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government is committed to cooperative federalism and sustainable development. “The state government and local MPs clearly communicated their concerns. In deference to their position and in the spirit of collaborative development, these projects have been put on hold,” Vaishnaw said.
Notably, the suspension extends to at least three other projects where preliminary surveys had begun. The Minister highlighted that initial assessments flagged significant environmental risks, particularly to the region’s vital horticulture sector.
“Preliminary surveys indicated a potential risk to apple orchards, which are a cornerstone of the local economy,” Vaishnaw stated.
(Straight Talk Communications)