A small group of so-called climate activists from Srinagar and other posh areas are calling for the cancellation of the proposed Pahalgam railway project, claiming that “Pahalgam does not need a train.” This raises a simple but serious question: who gets to decide Kashmir’s future? Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The answer is clear. Local stakeholders—the people whose lives, land, and livelihoods are directly linked—must have the strongest voice. Connectivity is not a luxury; it is the backbone of real development. A railway line is not just steel and tracks, it is access to education, healthcare, jobs, tourism, and opportunity for generations to come.
The proposed railway line connecting Pahalgam is vital for long-term growth. True development demands strong infrastructure, and rail connectivity is one of the most powerful tools any region can have. Denying this to Kashmir is denying its youth a fair future.
Yes, there are genuine concerns, and they must be addressed honestly. Fair compensation, proper rehabilitation, and jobs for families who lose land entirely, especially affected farmers, are non-negotiable. Development should never come at the cost of dignity. These demands are legitimate and must be fulfilled transparently.
However, opposing the project altogether is not the solution.
It is also important to acknowledge a reality many prefer to ignore. Several loud critics enjoy opportunities outside Kashmir or even outside India, where green pastures offer careers and comfort. Would they choose remote districts like Kupwara to build their own futures without proper connectivity? The honest answer is obvious.
Since 2019, Pahalgam has witnessed visible progress. Tourism infrastructure has improved, roads have expanded, and economic activity has increased. Areas like Yanner rafting point and its adjoining villages are developing at a rapid pace, comparable to modern growth corridors seen elsewhere in the country. This progress should be recognised, not dismissed.
Targeting railway surveys by spreading fear only harms local aspirations. Activists sitting in well-connected Srinagar should not dictate what remote or semi-remote regions need. Voices like Raja Muzaffar may raise environmental points, but sweeping statements that entire regions “do not need railways” ignore ground realities. Spending time in less-connected districts before passing such judgments would offer better perspective.
For many locals, including landowners whose property falls under the proposed track alignment in areas like Charigam Karewa, Kullar Nagipora, and Veersern Grad, the feeling is not fear but hope. These are sacrifices made willingly for a better tomorrow.
Development is every Kashmiri’s right. Connectivity brings inclusion, not destruction. With fair policies, environmental care, and honest compensation, the Pahalgam railway line can become a lifeline for future generations.
Let us unite for progress, not panic.
The sacrifices of today will shape the prosperity of tomorrow.
Writer: Dr. Zewar Hussain Bhat
(Senior scientist Entomology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir)
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