Maj Gen Ranjan Mahajan
Baramulla’s story in the past two years is nothing short of a renaissance – one that blends rapid infrastructure development, dynamic youth engagement, and deepening trust between civil society and the Indian Army. This transformation illustrates how a region once overshadowed by conflict can emerge as a vibrant, hopeful, and opportunity-rich district in Kashmir.
Connectivity as a Catalyst for Change
Central to Baramulla’s revival is its leap in transportation infrastructure. The completion and inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) in June 2025, a monumental feat featuring India’s longest Tunnel T-50 and the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, have seamlessly connected Baramulla with the rest of the country. MEMU electric trains and the Vande Bharat Express now ply on this route, drastically reducing travel times and opening fresh economic avenues for tourism, trade, and education.
Complementing this rail connectivity are major road upgrades, such as the four-lane Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri highway corridor and Baramulla-Gulmarg NH-701A highway, which improve access to key tourist destinations and markets significantly. These road projects alone commanded investments exceeding Rs 900 crore, facilitating smoother goods transport and the movement of people, underpinning local development and integration.
Civic Upgrades Enhancing Urban Life
Baramulla town itself is being reshaped with renewed focus on aesthetics and amenities. Strategic initiatives – ranging from the introduction of mini shops for street vendors, pedestrian-friendly pavements, clock towers, fountains, and expanded municipal facilities – are enhancing public life and ensuring better urban management. Efforts to ease congestion through new parking lots and public spaces like Cariappa Park are creating a more welcoming environment that reflects a district on the rise.
Youth at the Heart of Progress
Youth empowerment remains the most luminous aspect of Baramulla’s journey. The Chinar YUVA Centre, a skill development hub certified by the National Skill Development Corporation, has empowered over 5,800 youth with vocational training since 2016, supporting over 1,000 job placements and uplifting
hundreds of women. It is work in progress. This momentum accelerated with the Mega Job Fair in April 2025, where over 10,000 participants engaged directly with more than 28 companies from sectors including banking, IT, hospitality, and retail – leading to on-the-spot interviews and offers.
Capacity-building under the Mission YUVA initiative emphasized entrepreneurship and financial literacy, fostering self-reliance and innovation among young Baramullans. Adventure sports clubs like the Badamwari Athletes expanded horizons through marathons and trekking events, while army-led sports leagues under Operation Sadbhavana provided structured competition and broader exposure, including the Girls’ Badminton League and Kashmir Premier League. Inter-school sports activities nurtured healthy competition and unity, with disciplines such as yoga, volleyball, chess, and kabaddi engaging hundreds across the district.
Civic leadership programs further involve youth in governance through platforms like the Neighborhood Youth Parliament, while cultural initiatives such as the “Strings of Baramulla” music ensemble are bridging tradition and modernity, underscoring a vibrant cultural identity.
Healthcare, Education, and Rural Welfare
The district’s health infrastructure has grown alongside its economic revival, with the Government Medical College Baramulla – established in 2018 – expanding tertiary care and medical education. However, pockets of educational infrastructure challenges persist, highlighting areas for future focus, such as the overcrowded primary school in Tangmarg.
Large-scale rural development is underway, with ?437 crore sanctioned under NABARD’s RIDF for roads, bridges, water schemes, and irrigation, alongside a ?2.5 crore CSR initiative by NHPC for model border villages. Baramulla’s project completion rates have surged dramatically from 543 projects in FY 2020-21 to over 2,593 in FY 2023-24, reflecting sustained governance focus.
Civil-Military Synergy and Democratic Renewal
A cornerstone of Baramulla’s transformation is the enhanced cooperation between civil administration and the Indian Army. Their collaboration extends beyond security to encompass disaster response, community afforestation drives, and socioeconomic initiatives. The quick evacuation of families during the Uri shelling and joint environmental projects planting over 50,000 saplings exemplify this partnership’s tangible benefits.
This environment of trust is mirrored in democratic engagement. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections witnessed turnout of 58.9%, the highest in 35 years, indicating renewed faith in democratic processes and the district’s evolving political maturity.
Tourism: Unlocking Untapped Potential
Improved accessibility has invigorated Baramulla’s tourism sector. Apart from the famed Gulmarg and historic sites like the Shankaragaurishvara Temple, new tourist circuits spotlight lesser-known destinations such as Munddaji, Parihaspora, and Qazi Nag National Park. Ecotourism initiatives, including upgrades to the Khadniyar Eco Park with cycle tracks, solar lighting, and plans for a cable car, promote sustainable and year-round tourism.
Border tourism through reopened sites like Kaman Post – the “Bridge of Peace” – has attracted thousands seeking immersive heritage experiences, supported by burgeoning homestay networks fostering local livelihoods. Seasonal winter festivals and preparations for Khelo India Winter Games further diversify the tourism landscape, backed by improved infrastructure for snow sports and visitor safety.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Transformation
Baramulla today exemplifies how multi-dimensional development – rooted in infrastructure connectivity, vibrant youth engagement, cultural pride, and civil-military harmony – can reshape a district’s destiny. Its journey from conflict-affected past to a beacon of opportunity showcases how strategic investment and inclusive governance foster resilience and unlock potential.
This transformation is a clarion call for the power of hope, cooperation, and sustained effort. Baramulla stands not only as a Gateway to Kashmir but as a living example of what can be achieved when communities and institutions unite with shared purpose. Its future is bright, vibrant, and full of promise – a model for renewal in the region and beyond.
The remarkable transformation of Baramulla can be largely attributed to a profound shift in the mindset of its people. After years marked by uncertainty, the youth and broader community have embraced a forward-looking, opportunity-driven outlook, actively participating in skill development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. This change in attitude, grounded in hope and resilience, has created a fertile environment for progress. Complementing this social evolution is the committed and visionary leadership of district authorities who have prioritized inclusive development, infrastructure upgrades, and transparent governance. Their focused efforts in improving connectivity, healthcare, education, and rural livelihoods have provided the essential frameworks and resources that enable sustained growth and community upliftment.
Equally pivotal has been the Indian Army’s robust engagement beyond traditional security roles, fostering strong civil-military synergy that has bolstered peace, stability and development. Initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana and collaborative disaster response efforts have strengthened trust and cooperation between the army and local residents. Through youth sports leagues, skill training partnerships, and cultural exchange facilitation at border points like Kaman Post, India’s Northern Command has actively contributed to social cohesion and empowerment. Additionally, national and state-level policy frameworks and investments – such as the National Skill Development Corporation’s certification of training centers and large-scale infrastructure funding – have reinforced this momentum. Together, these factors converge to explain Baramulla’s transformation as a holistic achievement driven by changing attitudes, strong institutional support, and collaborative partnerships.
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