Baramulla, August 22 :
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Baramulla has expressed serious concern over the proposed alignment of the Baramulla–Uri railway line, which, as per the current plan, cuts through densely populated residential areas in Baramulla town and its adjoining posh colonies.
In a statement issued to the media, Party senior leader and District President Baramulla, Mohd Rafique Rather, said it is deeply unfortunate that a vast stretch of residential areas, including well-established colonies, is being put at risk in the name of development.
“Residents from Jetty Khawajabagh, Sherwani Colony, Fatehpora, and other localities have been repeatedly voicing their fears about potential displacement, safety hazards, and environmental as well as noise pollution that this alignment will inevitably bring. Sadly, their appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears,” Rather said.
He emphasized that PDP fully supports the genuine demand of the affected people for a realignment of the railway line to ensure residential areas are spared and disruption to lives and livelihoods is minimized.
“While the railway project is important for connectivity and economic growth, development should never come at the cost of uprooting families or destroying established habitations, especially in prominent colonies like Jetty, Khawajabagh, Fargepora, and Ushkara. If people are unwilling to dismantle their homes, no democratic government has the right to force them to do so,” Rather asserted.
The PDP leader urged the district administration, railway authorities, and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to immediately review the proposed alignment and explore alternative routes that avoid thickly populated areas.
He also appealed to the Railway Board to hold meaningful consultations with local representatives, civil society members, and affected residents before finalizing the alignment so that the project moves forward smoothly and in harmony with public interests.
“Development and public welfare must go hand in hand. Forcing people to sacrifice their homes when better alternatives exist will only breed public resentment and erode trust,” Rather concluded.