Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Human Resource Challenges in Indian Railways for Developing the Last Mile Connectivity

The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link in 2025 turned the long-standing dream of seamless rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari into reality—spanning 3,790 kms from India's northernmost to southernmost points. Working as a Senior Section Engineer within this expansive network, I’ve come to see that while engineering feats like the 359-meter-high Chenab Bridge are awe-inspiring, the real challenge lies in building the human capacity to run and maintain such a vast and complex system. This research focuses on the people behind the infrastructure—highlighting the human resource challenges that limit the corridor’s full potential. Drawing from both field experience and data analysis, this study proposes a practical framework to strengthen workforce readiness—through targeted training, digital tools, and region-specific strategies. Connecting such a diverse country by rail means more than linking tracks—it means empowering people, from the Himalayas to the southern coast, to deliver consistent, efficient service across every mile.