Intro:
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed Metro plans, stalled rail projects, and environmental challenges during a lively Rajya Sabha session.
New Delhi
A lively Question Hour and Zero Hour session in the Rajya Sabha on Friday saw Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw respond to a wide range of concerns related to infrastructure development, including the possibility of Metro services in Jammu, stalled railway projects due to land and environmental issues, demands for premium train connectivity, and ongoing initiatives in Kerala.
During Question Hour, BJP-nominated MP Gulam Ali sought clarity on plans to introduce a Metro system in Jammu. In response, Vaishnaw said he would pass the query to Manohar Lal Khattar, who oversees Metro-related matters. However, he also highlighted the technical complexities of operating rail systems in high-altitude regions such as Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation of rail in high altitude areas is complicated; we should have a special design for the trains in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishnaw said. He added that a suitable train design has already been prepared and that decisions are expected soon, signaling progress toward customized solutions that could support improved urban mobility, potentially including Metro-like services in the region.
The minister also addressed concerns raised by farmers, stating that the Railways would not lay spurs off main railway lines where such construction could damage apple orchards. He acknowledged that agricultural impact remains a sensitive issue and assured members that farmers’ objections are being taken into account during project planning.
During Zero Hour, Vaishnaw turned his attention to broader challenges slowing railway expansion across the country. He pointed specifically to the semi-high-speed Silver Line rail project in Kerala, noting that the project faces serious environmental concerns. The Silver Line project has a huge environmental impact, he told the House, underscoring why progress has been difficult.
He further stressed that land acquisition remains one of the biggest bottlenecks for railway development nationwide. The state government should help the Central government, as land acquisition is really hard, and so many railway projects are pending because of this, Vaishnaw said, appealing for stronger cooperation from state authorities.
