The proposed railway line to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir has been put on hold after concerns were raised about potential damage to apple orchards. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on Monday, stating that the concerns were voiced by Members of Parliament, the Jammu and Kashmir government, and local farmers.

The Railway Ministry had completed surveys for the Anantnag–Pahalgam and Awantipora–Shopian railway lines and examined proposals for additional lines along the Baramulla–Srinagar stretch. However, these projects were suspended due to strong objections from elected officials and orchard owners, who cautioned that the proposed alignments could harm apple cultivation, a crucial economic activity in the region.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the concerns of MPs, the Union Territory administration, and farmers were taken seriously, despite the completion of preliminary survey work. He stated that the decision reflects the government's commitment to cooperative federalism, respecting the views of the state government and local representatives. According to news agency JKNS, Vaishnaw said that the projects have been halted indefinitely pending further review.

The potential threat to apple orchards, which form the backbone of Kashmir's horticulture-based economy, was a key factor in the decision. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated that putting the Pahalgam and Shopian railway lines on hold brought much-needed relief to Kashmir's agrarian economy.

The suspension also applies to at least three other railway projects in the Valley where preliminary survey work had commenced. According to officials, the proposed laying of additional railway tracks along the Baramulla–Srinagar corridor has been suspended following objections raised by the UT government and public representatives.

The Centre has allocated approximately Rs 1,086 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the rail budget, demonstrating the government's focus on strengthening rail connectivity in the region. Efforts are ongoing to expand railway infrastructure, particularly in remote areas of the Union Territory. Vaishnaw also mentioned that the railway infrastructure work on the Baramulla–Uri section has been completed and is currently awaiting approval. Survey and DPR work for the proposed Jammu–Rajouri rail line is underway.

The Udhampur–Baramulla–Srinagar Rail Link (UBSRL), spanning 272 km, has been completed, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.

Highlighting the role of Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw said that the semi-high-speed services have played a crucial role in maintaining connectivity and public service in Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the winter months when road links often remain disrupted. He added that the trains promote regional identity by offering local cuisines on board, such as Dogri cuisine on the Vande Bharat train operating from Jammu and Kashmiri dishes on the return journey from Srinagar to Jammu. Five pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are currently operational.

JKNC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir for their timely and crucial intervention.