BARAMULLA, June 29: Soil testing has begun for the proposed Baramulla-Uri railway project in the Sheeri area of Baramulla district, marking a key step toward assessing the feasibility of extending rail connectivity to the border town of Uri.
Officials have started preliminary ground investigations and soil examinations for laying railway tracks, a development that has generated optimism among residents, traders and fruit growers across north Kashmir.
The proposed rail link is expected to improve transportation, reduce logistics costs and strengthen trade and tourism in the region if the project moves forward. “We are very happy to see this work begin in our village. They are carrying out the testing now, and I pray that the work is completed soon,” said Imtiyaz, a resident of Sheeri.
He said rising transportation costs have placed an increasing burden on local residents. “Petrol and diesel prices are increasing day by day, and it is affecting poor people. We want goods coming into Kashmir to become cheaper so ordinary people can benefit,” he added.
The railway extension is also expected to benefit north Kashmir’s horticulture sector, with growers anticipating faster and more affordable transportation of apples and other produce to markets outside the Valley.
Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, another local resident, said the railway project could create employment opportunities and accelerate development in the area.
“We are very happy that the train service is being planned here. It will benefit the people, and unemployed youth can also find work,” Bhat said.
“There will be a lot of development in the future. People will be able to open shops and create new business opportunities,” he added.
Residents said improved rail connectivity between Baramulla and Uri would ease travel, support local businesses and enhance access to markets while reducing dependence on costly road transport. The soil investigation is part of the project’s preliminary planning stage. Construction timelines and official approvals for the proposed railway extension have not yet been announced.
