
By Mushtaq Bala
When the idea of a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar was first floated, it was celebrated as a game-changer for Kashmir. A rail link connecting the national capital to the heart of the Valley promised not just economic growth but also a symbolic gesture of unity—a long-awaited answer to the cries of integration and development in the region. However, over time, the narrative shifted. The plan was altered, and the direct connection from Delhi to Srinagar was pared down to Delhi to Katra. For many Kashmiris, this change is not merely an infrastructural adjustment; it is seen as a calculated design with deep political undertones.
The Original Vision: Delhi to Srinagar
The original announcement of a direct rail line from Delhi to Srinagar was hailed as a transformative project, aiming to bridge the physical and psychological gaps between Kashmir and the rest of India. It was seen as a lifeline for the Valley, promising to:
• Boost tourism and trade by offering seamless access to Kashmir’s markets and scenic destinations.
• Enhance connectivity for residents, making travel to the rest of the country easier and more affordable.
• Symbolize New Delhi’s commitment to treating Kashmir on par with other states, addressing the historic grievances of alienation and neglect.
This ambitious plan resonated deeply in Kashmir, where decades of political turmoil have often been blamed on perceived marginalization by the central government.
The Shift to Katra: A Change in Priorities?
When the focus of the rail project shifted from Srinagar to Katra, the reactions in the Valley were swift and critical. Katra, home to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, undoubtedly attracts millions of pilgrims annually, making it a crucial economic hub. But for many Kashmiris, the change of destination felt like a betrayal of the original promise.
From their perspective, the rerouting raised uncomfortable questions:
1. Why Stop at Katra?
For years, New Delhi emphasized that the Delhi-to-Srinagar rail line was crucial for Kashmir’s development. Halting the project at Katra gives the impression that the priorities have shifted from integrating Kashmir to catering solely to the religious tourism economy.
2. A Political Message?
The decision to halt the line at Katra has led to widespread speculation about a political agenda. Many in the Valley see it as a reflection of New Delhi’s unwillingness to fully integrate Kashmir into the national infrastructure. This fuels the belief that the central government is more focused on strengthening Jammu’s Hindu-majority regions than addressing the needs of Muslim-majority Kashmir.
3. Divisive Narratives:
The move is also interpreted as part of a broader design to reinforce the divide between Jammu and Kashmir, with Jammu receiving preferential treatment in development projects. The rail link stopping at Katra, some argue, symbolizes an attempt to politically and economically marginalize Kashmir while projecting progress.
A Pattern of Exclusion?
The shift in focus from Srinagar to Katra is not seen as an isolated incident. For many Kashmiris, it reflects a larger pattern of exclusion. This sentiment has grown stronger in recent years, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
Projects like the train to Katra are viewed through a lens of suspicion, with many believing they are part of a broader strategy to centralize control over the region while sidelining Kashmiri voices.
What the Future Holds
The perception that the Valley is being deliberately bypassed is a dangerous one, further fueling mistrust between Kashmir and New Delhi. Infrastructure projects like the Delhi-to-Srinagar rail line are more than just economic initiatives—they are symbolic of the government’s commitment to treating Kashmir as an integral part of the nation.
The question remains: Will New Delhi fulfill its original promise of extending the train to Srinagar, or will it continue to prioritize projects that seemingly benefit only parts of the region? Without a transparent explanation and concrete steps to include Kashmir in future plans, the skepticism and sense of alienation in the Valley are unlikely to dissipate.
The Kashmiri Perspective
For many in Kashmir, the shift from Srinagar to Katra is a poignant reminder of their fraught relationship with the central government. The train, once a symbol of unity, has now become a metaphor for exclusion. While the government lauds its achievements in infrastructure, the people of Kashmir wait for a promise that seems increasingly distant—both geographically and politically.
If the vision of a train from Delhi to Srinagar was intended to bridge divides, its rerouting to Katra has, for now, widened them.
Mushtaq Bala is Editor In Chief Kashmir Pen , can be reached on mushtaqabala@gmail.com