In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers celebrated India’s remarkable progress in urban mobility, highlighting the expansion of metro services from 248 km in 2014 to over 1,000 km today. Hailed as a “true testament to New India’s progress,” this achievement has rightfully placed India third globally in terms of metro network length. Yet, for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, these celebrations feel bittersweet, as the long-promised metro rail projects in Srinagar and Jammu remain nothing more than a distant dream.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, there have been several announcements about metro projects for both Jammu and Srinagar, igniting hopes for modern urban mobility in the region. In September 2019, just after the abrogation, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the initiation of light rail transit systems for both cities, with an estimated cost of ₹8,500 crore and a timeline of 4-5 years for completion. Dr. E. Sreedharan, the “Metro Man of India,” was appointed Principal Advisor, signaling the government’s seriousness about the project.
The metro projects were planned in two phases:
Srinagar Metro: Phase 1 would cover HMT Junction to Indra Nagar and Osmanabad to Hazuribagh. Phase 2 would extend to Pampore Bus Stand and Hazuribagh to the Airport.
Jammu Metro: Phase 1 would stretch from Bantalab to Greater Kailash and Udheywala to Exhibition Ground, while Phase 2 would extend to Bari Brahmana Railway Station and Exhibition Ground to Satwari Chowk to the Airport.
Both projects were designed with sustainability in mind, featuring low carbon emissions, minimal noise, and modern aesthetics.
In October 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated during a public rally in Jammu that metro services would launch within two years, emphasizing the government’s broader vision for J&K’s development, including the expansion of Jammu Airport and the world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab in Reasi. By 2022, the project cost had risen to ₹10,599 crore, and the completion target was pushed to 2024, with assurances of elevated corridors, modern coaches, and 17-hour daily operations to improve regional connectivity and quality of life.
However, despite these grand promises, the metro projects for Srinagar and Jammu remain stuck in limbo. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been mentioned repeatedly, but approvals and construction have yet to begin. Residents of both cities are frustrated and disillusioned, questioning the sincerity of the government’s promises. With deadlines consistently missed from 2019 to 2024, there has been little to no progress or accountability.
While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru celebrate the successes of India’s metro revolution with driverless trains and underwater marvels, residents of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer from inadequate urban transport infrastructure. Traffic congestion, pollution, and inefficient public transport remain persistent problems, exacerbating the daily challenges faced by commuters.
The stark contrast between the metro success stories in other Indian cities and the stagnation in Jammu and Kashmir highlights the growing disparity in infrastructure development. For a region whose integration and development were touted as major achievements after the abrogation of Article 370, the lack of progress on the metro projects raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises.
As India celebrates its achievements in urban mobility, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are left asking: How many more times will the same promises be made without any action? The metro rail projects, if realized, could significantly transform the urban landscape of J&K, offering much-needed relief to residents. But for now, they remain a testament to unfulfilled promises and stalled dreams.
It is time for the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir to take charge. The responsibility lies with the elected Chief Minister to press the central government for the swift completion of these metro projects. Elected Members of Parliament must also play their part, reminding the government in Parliament about the promises made post-abrogation of Article 370. A developed Jammu and Kashmir is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the metro rail projects should be a key part of realizing that vision.
These projects are not just about urban mobility; they are a litmus test for the region’s integration and overall development. For now, however, the dream of a metro in J&K remains a vision, not a reality.
