NEW DELHI, Feb 6: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today said that Member of Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid met Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu inside the Parliament Chamber to raise serious concerns over the proposed alignment of the Baramulla–Uri railway line. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Railway Ministry.
Inam Un Nabi said that Er Rashid informed the MoS Railways that the present alignment is proposed to pass through densely populated residential localities of Baramulla town, including Sherwani Colony, Jetty Khawajabagh and Fatehpora, which would result in large-scale displacement, demolition of homes and damage to vital community infrastructure.
He said the MP Er Rashid made it clear that while the people of Baramulla fully support railway connectivity and recognise its importance for regional development, integration and economic growth, development cannot be imposed at the cost of human suffering and social disruption. Er Rashid also highlighted that several representations have already been submitted by residents, civil society groups and public representatives and that feasible alternative alignments through vacant or sparsely populated areas are available.
The Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi added that Er Rashid sought immediate review of the present alignment, adoption of alternative routes that bypass residential areas and meaningful consultation with local stakeholders before finalising the project. He further said that in the coming days, a delegation of Baramulla residents will also meet the Railway Ministry to personally present their concerns.
Inam Un Nabi said that earlier, Er Rashid had also strongly taken up the issue with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, pressing for a humane and people-friendly realignment of the Baramulla–Uri railway line.
AIP reiterated that it stands firmly with the residents of Baramulla and will continue to pursue the matter to ensure justice, fairness and sustainable development
