stopping the BijiBehara–Pahalgam and Awantipora–Shopian rail alignments is a massive relief for South Kashmir. These tracks weren’t just lines on a map; they were about to steamroll orchards, farmers, and the Valley’s fragile ecology.

 NDPA National President Ubaid Javeed has strongly welcomed the Centre’s decision, thanking the Government, Railway Ministry and UT administration for taking public concerns seriously. He pointed out that the project could have caused irreversible damage to horticulture, rural livelihoods, and the socio-environmental fabric of Kashmir.

He also urged authorities to go for proper environmental & social impact assessments, meaningful consultations with locals, and explore smarter alternatives like rerouting, tunneling, or elevated tracks — so development doesn’t come at the cost of people and nature.

Following this, NDPA UP State President Udayraj Shukla has also warmly welcomed the move, stressing that real development must protect farmers, environment, and local livelihoods — not bulldoze over them.