InternationalInternational MultidisciplinaryMultidisciplinary e-Journal e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. ISSN 2277 (102-110) - 4262
Development of Transport and Its Concern in Jammu and Kashmir from 1881 to 1947
Joshina Jamwal, Ph.D.Research Scholar, History Department : Jammu University. Paper Received on: 24/09/2014 Paper Reviewed on: 24/09/2014 Paper Accepted on: 27/9/2014
Abstract The present paper expounds the meaning, development and advancement in the system of transport and its multi-faceted role in the pursuit of development objectives. In initial my paper concern with the factors on which the development of transport depends i.e., funds of country and its geography; as in the development of transport, the geography of concerned state has an important aspect . Later the paper deals with the various means of transport like Inland water transport, road transport , railway transport and civil aviation which is significant in Jammu and kashmir state as it involves difficult terrain. Also we see, how transport gave impetus to local as well as the foreign trade and how transport accelerated the economic development of trade which is the backbone of the economy. The other impact of transport was the increase in the influx of tourists and how the tourism bridge the gap between people of different countries. So, we came to conclude that a region which is planning for growth require adequate transportation facilities. So in nut shell, sound policy and good governance led the state of Jammu and Kashmir to a faster development path. keywords -Transport, Development, Geography, Trade, Tourism, Economy. INTRODUCTION The present day world has shrunk due to the advancement in the system of transport. Development of efficient system of transport is the prerequisite for the speedy and balanced economic development of the state. The development of transport depends upon the physical, historical, economic and the political facts. In general, the transport network involves the transfer of people, commodities and information over space. Transportation has been an important activity of the man since the primitive ages.s
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110)
Transport system plays a many faceted role in the pursuit of development objectives. It is an effective instrument of socio economic change. There is hardly any area of development which has not been influenced by transport system. History of the development process reveals that transport has been one of the leading sectors in the growth process of developed economies. Transport system is a mirror which reflects the progress of the nation. The modern civilization is the offspring of modern means of transport on which depends economic prosperity, social welfare and political strength of a country.
The movement of men and material from one place to another is termed as "Transport". Transportation is the life and blood of human existence; so speedier and efficient the means of transport; the better is the development in every sphere. But the development of transport greatly depends upon the geographical factors and the funds of a country. Like other hilly regions, the state of "Jammu and Kashmir" is one of the least developed state. No doubt, because of undulating terrain, the transport of the state cannot be developed to the extent as it can be developed in the plain areas, yet some fruitful results can be gained.
The first Himalayan state of India, Jammu and Kashmir is divided into mainly three regions, the foothill plains of Jammu, the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir and the beautiful mountains of Ladakh . It is one of the largest states of the Indian Union. It holds an important position strategically and holds an exalted status by virtue of its scenic beauty. The state has a predominant place as it is bounded in the North and North -West by Himalayan mountains and it shares the international boundary with Pakistan and China. So, in view of the state's strategic position in the defense of India, any system of transport has to consider this important aspect also.
Jammu And Kashmir State is one of the states where the level of socio-economic development remains far from satisfactory. In the far flung areas and in the district of Leh and Kargil of Ladakh region ; ponies, yak, mules and donkey are largely used as the means of transport. In the mountaineering and in the inaccessible areas even one can see man carrying goods from one place to another on their back. It is the transport which helps human beings in removing this unwarranted barrier of physical separation and "enables a given flow of resources to produce greater results".
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110)
Since time immemorial, means of transport have also been changing according to the changed conditions and requirements. In the days of yore, human beings themselves transported their commodities from one place to the other. If we study the history of transportation, we find that the progress of the human race has followed closely the growth and development of transportation. As man had to move from one place to other place in search of food, he instinctively decreed comfort and tried various means for carrying himself and his food as rapidly and comfortably as he could. Firstly, he walked on his feet carrying his load on his shoulders or back. Then he domesticated animals like horses, donkeys, bullocks and camels to carry himself and his loads. But the-discovery of wheel was the most significant milestone in the development of transport system. Vehicles of different types were mounted on wheels to be drawn first by man and animals, and then by engines. In this way, routes were improved.
Earlier for visit to Punjab, the people of Kashmir followed one of the three routes which took two to three weeks to cover the distance. The first was the "Murree route''. The second was the "Pir Panjal route" which was followed centuries ago by the Mughal emperors and was styled as "the Imperial route". It was the favourite route of the Mughal emperors and the remnants of Sarais were also seen almost at every halting place. The third was the "Poonch route". This was however not much used, being difficult one.
Among the various types of means of transport ; the cheapest mode of transport both overlong and short distance was the Inland Water Transport. Water transport has quite significant role in Kashmir valley since ancient times. But in Kashmir valley one can notice a meagre presence of water transport. As inland navigation is almost insignificant in the state, the river Jhelum or the Vyeth in Kashmir is navigable from Khanabal to Baramullah and even today the people transport "sand" to different areas lying on the banks of river. Since the majority of Kashmir villages are located on the river banks, the river transport is of much significance. On the other hand, the rivers passing through the Jammu territories are tempestuous. They donot offer any large scope for the water transport. During the rainy season the Chenab river flow so turbulent that all navigation comes to a Standstill. The Ranbir Canal, which is taken out from Chenab river at Akhnoor in 1911 was opened for navigation throughout its length upto Jammu and this carried much merchandise.
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110)
Next mode of transport is "the Road Transport" , which is one of the most crucial sectors in Jammu and Kashmir state and is the vital infrastructure and dominant mode of transport for the growth and development of the economy of the country. At Present, though roads have treaded into many parts of the state yet there are many such remote corners where man has yet to welcome the arrival of road transport. Still wheelless carts are deployed for carrying goods on rising plains and undulating slopes. But Road transport plays an important role in the overall transport system of the country. It carried thirty-three percent (33%) of commercial goods traffic and sixty-one percent (61%) of the commercial passenger traffic. A look at a map reveals that about ninety percent (90%) of the roads are found in Jammu region and Kashmir valley.
If we turn the pages of the history of roads development in the Jammu and Kashmir state, we find that during Dogra period (1846-1947), there were only few roads which acted as the life line in the state. Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846-1857), the founder of Jammu and Kashmir state, could not do much to improve the affairs of state. The need for the development of road was first felt in the closing years of Ranbir Singh's reign (1857-1885), when the great famine of 1877-79 in Kashmir occurred. The rain fell so heavily for three months that the crops were completely ruined and a number of villages were devasted and the result was the direful calamity. The effects of famine lasted long and the valley did not recover from this famine. The famine took an enormous toll of human life and it has been calculated that three-fifths of the total population of the valley perished. People died because the government experienced the utmost difficulty in transporting grains in the absence of vehicular roads. When Maharaja Ranbir Singh came to the throne, roads were unknown in the state. There were only ''Bridal Paths'' connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley and some other distant places. To prevent the rigour of famines in future, Ranbir Singh took interest in the development of transport.
The first magnificent step taken in September 1880, when the Maharaja appointed Mr. Alexender Atkinson as engineer for the construction of Kohala to Baramulla road. The work was divided into sixty contractors for speedy construction. Later, this road was extended upto Srinagar. The whole road from Srinagar to Kohala was given the name of "Jhelum valley Cart road" and was completed in 1895 and the total length of the road was One hundred thirty two miles. The construction of Jhelum valley Cart Road is a great engineering feat and the road passes through Baramulla Uri; Garhi; Domel; Kohala Muree and reaches Rawalpindi. After partition the road is blocked beyond Uri for common people.
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110)
Beyond Uri, the road is under military control. There is one Serai at Gojra village near Muzaffarabad and another above Uri at the Paranpila village on the right bank of river, which was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The government spent a sum of rupees twenty one lakh seventy eight thousand eight hundred seventy (Rs. 21,78,870) on its construction. Another important route from Srinagar to Rawalpindi than the Jhelum valley road was Garhi-Habibullah Road. Its construction was started in 1899 and completed in 1902.
Earlier, in order to go to Srinagar, people from Jammu had first to take long Journey of railway to Rawalpindi then, in Wazirabad junction, they had to make transport arrangements for their further journey to Srinagar. This make the travel from Jammu to Srinagar weary and hectic. But in 1901- 02, the state government decided to made a cart road from Jammu to Udhampur and this was completed in the next year at the cost of thirty seven thousand four hundred twenty five (Rs. 37,425). In 1911-12, a scheme was put forth to widen the route from Udhampur to Banihal. The road was opened in 1921 and for the general public it was thrown open in May 1922 and was completed at the cost of forty one lakh eight thousand eight hundred fifty (Rs. 41, 08, 850). This Banihal Cart road, serve as the direct route between the Jammu and Srinagar and it passed entirely through the state territory. This road also remained close for months during winter. The number of expertise was in favour for the construction of tunnel so that closure of line can be avoided but the planners of road overlooked their proposal and learnt no lesson from the "Jhelum Valley Cart Road". Now, the state government had to spend a lot of money every year to maintain this road. Another big blemish of this road was its insufficient width. Originally, it was only fourteen feet wide, as it was serve as a cart road. But when it was completed, the motor transport had increased in the state and to make it useful as a motorable road, it have to be widened. The blemish that its width was insufficient was removed in 1924-25 when its width was increased to twenty one feet. As studied, the Banihal cart road remained closed on account of snow on the Banihal pass. But for the first time in its history, this road was kept open during the winter in the year 1930-31.The Banihal Cart Road between Jammu and Srinagar, is the Jammu- Srinagar National Highway (NH_IA). Along with the Banihal Cart Road, a no. of feeder roads were also constructed to link various parts of Jammu region. The state forest department also played significant role in constructing hundreds of miles of roads, pathways and tracks. All these above mentioned ones proved to be a great integrating factor in the state.
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110)
Next important mode of transport i.e, "Bridges", too played a significant role in the transport system of the state particularly in Kashmir. The river Jhelum, the main river of the state was crossed through the Kashmir valley by number of bridges of wood. Seven of them existed in the Srinagar city alone. But the bridges could not stand the great flood by 1893, so with the exception of first bridge, the Amira Kadal, all of them were perished away, the old Amira Kadal which was in very mal condition was removed in 1895 and a new bridge was built in its placed in 1895-96. The Kohala bridge was constructed in 1894-95 by the government of India but the state government also contributed half of its cost.
In Jammu, the foundation of Tawi Bridge was commenced in November 1889. The Tawi Bridge was originally sanctioned by H.H. the Maharaja of J&K, to celebrate the Jubilee years of the reign of her majesty the Queen empress. The Tawi bridge was completed in 1892. The necessity of bridge Over the Chenab below Akhnoor was highlighted by the " Assistant Commissioner in his assessment Report of the Akhnoor Tehsil",1930 and it was opened on the birth day of Maharaja Hari Singh on September 21, 1935. Both the Tawi bridge and Akhnoor bridge were constructed at the cost of eight Lakh rupees. In 1939-40, Nail-Nallah bridge on the Mirpur- Kotli road and Narsoo Nallah of Banihal Cart Road were constructed. Besides this, bridges were also constructed in Akhnoor-Nowshera road, Dharamsal-Nowhsera road in 1945-46.
Development of railways in the state Jammu and Kashmir is not only stupendous task, but also uneconomic and difficult to maintain. The railway line in Jammu region was an extension of the North-Western Railway from Suchetgarh of the Sialkot district to the Jammu city. This extension of Railway from Sailkot to Jammu above twenty seven miles long, was commenced in Oct. 1888, and the length twenty five miles to the temporary terminus on the left bank of the Tawi river was opened to public traffic on the 13 th March 1890 . This length probably cost about twelve lakh fifty thousand (Rs. 12,50,000) when completed, thus showing a saving of over three lakh (Rs. 3,00,000) on the estimate of fifteen lakh fifty seven thousand five hundred (Rs. 15, 57,500) sanctioned by the government of India for this work. The work was executed by Mr. J.F.H. Collet, Executive Engineer and the work performed was sound. On the opening of this Railway to Tawi, there was no public ceremony but for the first two days, 13th and 14th March , the trains were run free of charges between Sialkot and Tawi, and about ten thousand persons availed themselves of this privilege. There was great crowd of passengers, but no hitch
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110) occurred, although the pressure on the new staff at first opening was severe. This line is being worked by the North-Western Railways for the five years under the agreement with the government of India. Similarly, several efforts were also made to link the valley with the Railway system but nothing substantial came out owing to difficult terrain and financial constraints. A railway of Kashmir was a dream objective to be attained. It was first mooted in 1886 but it never came in full fledged form.
In the state like Jammu and Kashmir which involves difficult terrain, "Civil Aviation" plays a significant role. Civil Aviation is the fastest means of the transport and on long routes offer a substantial saving in transit time. Hence, air transport handles considerable traffic on long distance routes. Air transport helps to optimize technological, managerial and administrative skills in a resource scarce economy. The state, with three civil airports at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh is connected to the rest of the country through air transport. The development of different means of transport gave impetus to the local as well as the foreign trade. The improved means of transport accelerated the economic development of the state in certain respects. The development of transport helped in development of trade and trade is the backbone of the economy.
The development of trade and commerce largely depends on favorable geography, sound transport system and adequate financial resources. There were three routes followed by trade. Of these, the most direct route was the "Banihal road"; another road was the "Pir-Panjal route" and third was the "Jhelum valley road". With the construction of "Jhelum valley road", trade deserted to a certain extent. If one looks at the figure of the year 1891-92, it would appear that the opening of the "Jhelum valley road" had caused a large increase in trade. Similarly after the opening of "Banihal Cart road", the trade activities in Jammu become more brisk. The trade between the "Jammu and Kashmir provinces" was termed as "the Inter-provincial trade". The chief articles of import into Jammu from Kashmir were rice, charas , fruits, ghee, wool, leather, hides, Shawls etc. While the main articles of export from Jammu to Kashmir valley were grain, pulses, cotton, livestock, sugar, opium, anardhana, tobacco and so on.
Besides Jammu and Srinagar, some of the important commercial centres in the state were Udhampur, Mirpur and Poonch in Jammu province, while Baramulla, Anantnag and Sopore in Kashmir Valley. The traders of this state had trade relations with their counterparts in Amritsar, Delhi, Bombay
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International Multidisciplinary e –Journal/ Author : Joshina Jamwal. (102-110) and Karachi. Like Udhampur, Poonch was also an important market to Punjab. Some Khatri trading families of Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli tehsil had been attracted to Poonch because of the trade potential.
Another impact of transport was the increase in the number of tourists. During the year 1882-83, their number was recorded at eight hundred forty four. The most conspicuous result of the transport, was the increase in the influx of European and Indian tourists to the valley. The tourism aims to bridge the gap between people of different countries, who tour and travel, to know each other. So, a region which is planning for growth will certainly require adequate transportation facilities. Failure to provide necessary transportation facilities will create bottlenecks in the process of growth and development which may eventually retard the region's growth.
Since transport sector is one of the most crucial sectors in Jammu and Kashmir state. So, there is need for an institutional framework which could regulate and control all aspects of transport development. As a state with unique features and a strategic location, the speedy development of Jammu and Kashmir needs an integrated approach. In a nutshell, sound policy and good governance can lead the state of Jammu and Kashmir to a faster development path.
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