Big boost for Vaishno Devi rail route as Indian Railways clears ₹238 crore safety plan

The approved works include slope stabilisation measures, tunnel seepage treatment, bridge protection interventions, rehabilitation of vulnerable infrastructure, and other related safety upgrades at key locations along the Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable connectivity across some of the country’s most challenging terrains.

Vaishnaw said that following a detailed assessment of cuttings, bridges, and tunnels, a comprehensive package of protection and rehabilitation works has been sanctioned to address vulnerabilities along the strategically significant route.

He noted that these interventions will significantly strengthen the long-term safety, resilience, and operational reliability of this critical railway section.

The Jammu–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra route has faced multiple engineering and operational challenges over the years due to difficult terrain, adverse geological conditions, and extreme weather events.

Despite these challenges, Indian Railways has consistently ensured uninterrupted connectivity through timely execution of infrastructure upgrades and resilient engineering solutions.

With the latest sanctioning of protection and rehabilitation works for the existing infrastructure, the route is set to become more resilient than ever, ensuring enhanced safety and greater confidence for the millions of passengers who travel on it every year.