Mehbooba Mufti Urges Railway Realignment to Protect Kashmir’s Orchards and Seeks Connectivity for Chenab Valley

SRINAGAR, February 6, 2026 — Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has formally reached out to the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, expressing her appreciation for the decision to keep several proposed railway projects in the Kashmir Valley in abeyance.

In a letter dated February 5, 2026, Mufti highlighted that the suspension of these projects has provided significant relief to approximately 1.5 million agrarian families whose livelihoods were directly threatened by the potential destruction of fertile horticultural land.

She emphasized that while railway connectivity is essential, it must be balanced with sustainability by prioritizing the use of barren and uncultivable land rather than destroying scarce productive farmland, which remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.

Mufti further advocated for the creation of a dedicated freight corridor through a reliable rail network, noting that the frequent disruptions and unpredictable closures of the National Highway cause immense financial losses to fruit growers every season.

By realigning the tracks along barren land, the government could establish a specialized fruit corridor that ensures swift market access without displacing local farmers.

In addition to the Valley-specific concerns, the PDP chief made a strong pitch for extending rail links to the Chenab Valley (Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar) and the Pir Panjal region (Rajouri and Poonch).

She noted that the absence of reliable rail connectivity has severely constrained the administrative and economic development of these geographically challenging and often neglected hilly areas.

Mufti urged the Railway Ministry to prioritize these regions in the national railway network to foster inclusive growth and ensure governance reaches the doorsteps of those living in remote border areas.