Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today met Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and strongly projected the long-pending demand for rail connectivity to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
During the meeting, Satish Sharma urged the Union Railway Minister to accord priority to the proposed Jammu–Akhnoor–Dori Dager–Sunderbani–Nowshera–Rajouri–Poonch rail corridor. He described it as a project of immense strategic, economic and social significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those residing in the border districts.
The Minister highlighted that a survey for the proposed rail alignment had been conducted in the past and stressed the need for its revival and early execution. He underscored that Rajouri and Poonch remain among the few major regions in the country without rail connectivity despite their strategic importance and substantial population.
Satish Sharma informed the Union Minister that the twin border districts frequently face connectivity challenges due to adverse weather conditions, road disruptions and difficult terrain, which adversely impact the movement of people, essential commodities and emergency services. He maintained that rail connectivity would provide a reliable, all-weather transportation network, significantly improving the accessibility, boosting economic activity and enhancing the overall quality of life of the people.
Emphasizing the national security dimension of the project, Sharma noted that Rajouri and Poonch share a sensitive international border and have historically played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s interests. He said that a rail corridor to these districts would not only strengthen the civilian connectivity but also enhance logistical capabilities and facilitate faster movement of personnel and resources, whenever required.
The Minister stated that the project would open new avenues for tourism, trade, industry and employment generation in the region. Improved rail infrastructure, he said, would help integrate the border districts more closely with the national economy and accelerate their socio-economic development.
During the discussion, Satish Sharma urged the Railway Ministry to immediately commission a fresh feasibility study based on the earlier survey, declaring the project a national priority in view of its strategic location and consider appropriate budgetary provisions for its implementation. He also conveyed the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir government to extend full cooperation at every stage of the project, including survey work, land acquisition, clearances and other administrative requirements.
Reiterating the aspirations of the people of Rajouri and Poonch, Sharma said that rail connectivity is not merely an infrastructure project but a long-awaited developmental necessity that would bring the border districts closer to the national mainstream and ensure equitable access to growth opportunities.
The Union Railway Minister assured the J&K Minister that the concerns and demands raised during the meeting would be examined sympathetically.
Satish Sharma expressed hope that the long-pending project would receive due consideration and move towards implementation in the larger interest of the people and the strategic development of the region.
In addition to railway infrastructure, Satish Sharma also raised several issues pertaining to the Information Technology sector. He sought enhanced support from the Government of India for accelerating Jammu and Kashmir's digital transformation journey.
The Minister urged the Union Minister to facilitate establishment of advanced IT infrastructure and innovation ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir, including IT parks, incubation centres and digital skill development hubs. He emphasized that such initiatives would create new employment opportunities for the youth and position the Union Territory as an emerging destination for technology-driven investments.
Satish Sharma highlighted the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir's young and educated workforce. He called for greater collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the UT Government in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-governance, digital service delivery and startup development. He stressed that focused investments in the IT sector would help generate sustainable livelihoods and reduce regional disparities.
The Minister also sought support for expanding the digital infrastructure in remote and border areas, ensuring seamless internet connectivity and access to the digital services. He noted that improved digital access would strengthen the governance, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and citizen service delivery, particularly in underserved regions.