Jammu Tawi, March 13 -- The Union Government on Wednesday confirmed that five new railway surveys are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, while other projects remain stalled.

Replying to a question by Member Parliament (MP) Mohmad Haneefa in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "The Srinagar-Kargil-Leh rail plan was dropped due to high costs and low demand, and the Jammu-Poonch line remains stalled over feasibility concerns. Also, the Banihal-Baramulla rail line doubling has been prioritized by the government."

The minister clarified that there are no immediate plans to conduct a survey for a rail link between Ganderbal in Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh, despite the strategic importance of the region.

He said the railway pr...