BADC Welcomes Approval of Poonch Rail Line Survey

BADC Welcomes Approval of Poonch Rail Line Survey

Jammu, 16/April/2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents and tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir, has welcomed the Ministry of Railways' approval for conducting the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed Reasi–Poonch new railway line under Northern Railway, at a sanctioned cost of approximately Rs. 24 crore.

The organisation termed the development a significant and long-awaited step towards improving connectivity in the border districts, which have remained relatively underserved for decades.

Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of BADC and former Vice Chancellor, welcomed the survey approval and said it shows renewed attention towards the needs of border areas.

However, he also mentioned that aspirations , and suggestions of the people of border districts must be given weightage in final draft of the survey and the route should include both Rajouri and Poonch districts.

He said the BADC hopes the initiative moves beyond paperwork and is completed within a set timeframe.

The BADC Chairman added that his organisation has long pushed for better connectivity between border districts and the mainland, and this step is part of that ongoing effort.

"This railway line will also serve India's strategic defence. It is of immense strategic, economic and social importance," he said.

The former VC also thanked all public representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, including Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, former MLAs, Panchayat representatives and others, for keeping this demand alive at various forums over the years.

BADC called on the authorities to complete the survey without delay and move quickly on execution, so the people of these remote border areas see results on the ground.

sd/-

Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik,

Chairman, JK-BADC & Former VC.

Mob: 8899772220