The Centre has dismissed allegations that Udhampur district will be bypassed in the proposed Jammu–Katra rail line, calling the claims “misleading.” The clarification came after Congress leader Sumeet Magrota staged a protest at Udhampur railway station, warning that the project could exclude the district and harm its economy. He also raised concerns over the absence of a Vande Bharat train halt at Udhampur and recalled earlier disputes over the station’s name.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur, said no alignment has been finalised for the new line. “The project is still in the feasibility stage, and suggestions that Udhampur is being ignored are unfounded,” he stated. He accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and assured that stakeholders would be consulted before any decision is taken.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Dr. Singh noted that Udhampur is one of two stations in Jammu and Kashmir selected under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station scheme. Planned upgrades include extended platforms, new foot overbridges, lifts, and enhanced passenger facilities.

The Jammu–Katra rail extension is part of efforts to ease congestion along the busy corridor that connects to the 324-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link, which has been fully operational since June 2025. The project will undergo detailed studies before finalising construction plans.

Source: India Today, Government releases