The Railway Board approved a Rs 2.38 billion (bn) safety upgrade for the Jammu Katra rail section. The allocation of Rs 2.38 bn will be deployed to strengthen safety infrastructure along the route. The decision follows a review of corridor safety needs and aligns with a wider effort to modernise key regional links. The Jammu Katra corridor serves a high volume of passenger traffic, including pilgrimage travel to the town of Katra which is a gateway to a major shrine. The project is expected to address operational risks and improve reliability for commuters and visitors. Seasonal surges in demand have placed added pressure on the corridor and prompted prioritisation of the works. Work will focus on enhancement of signalling systems, track renewal and measures to secure level crossings and vulnerable stretches, with implementation to be carried out by the zonal railway and relevant departments. The upgrade aims to reduce incidents, shorten recovery time following disruptions and support smoother train operations. Project teams will undertake detailed surveys before each phase to sequence works and safeguard operations, and contractors will be required to adhere to quality and safety specifications. The Railway Board indicated that the scheme will be executed in phased stages with regular monitoring and audits to ensure adherence to safety norms and timelines. Officials will review progress periodically and adjust work sequencing to minimise disruption to services while maintaining safety priorities. Local authorities will be engaged to coordinate traffic management around work sites and to communicate temporary changes to commuters. The board indicated that funding approvals form part of ongoing capital planning to prioritise passenger safety and network resilience.