India, Feb. 17 -- The Centre has put proposed railway projects in South Kashmir on hold following sustained opposition from local communities and political leaders, amid fears that large-scale land acquisition would devastate apple orchards and threaten livelihoods dependent on horticulture.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision after requests from the Jammu and Kashmir government and Members of Parliament from the Union Territory, citing concerns over potential damage to orchards during land procurement.

"There was a demand to set up two to three more railway lines in addition to the existing Baramulla-Srinagar line. However, the state government and the MPs then said that these lines should not be built. Thes...