Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the long-awaited Jammu railway division on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development. The inauguration was celebrated by key political leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
This announcement follows the successful trial run of the Srinagar-Katra train and paves the way for the completion of the 17-km Katra-Reasi rail track. With the final inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety set for January 7 and 8, the direct Delhi-Srinagar train service is expected to be inaugurated before January 26.
A Historic Day for Jammu and Kashmir
At the inaugural event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the significant impact the new railway division will have on the region. “This is a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir. The long-pending demand of the people has now been fulfilled,” he said. Abdullah emphasized that the division would create job opportunities, enhance trade, and boost tourism. He reassured the people of Jammu, addressing concerns from the local trading community, that the rail connectivity to Kashmir would not harm Jammu’s economy. Instead, he noted that it would strengthen it and benefit local youth through new job opportunities.
Promising Economic Benefits
The Chief Minister further pointed out that the rail link to Kashmir would enhance 24×7 connectivity with the rest of India, reducing flight costs, especially during the winter months. He mentioned that this connectivity would also help in strengthening trade and tourism between the two regions, benefiting the local economy and creating long-term prosperity.
Emphasis on Rapid Development and Infrastructure Growth
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for overseeing the swift completion of long-pending projects. He credited Modi’s leadership for the rapid pace of development in the region, including the construction of iconic projects like the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge. Sinha highlighted that Jammu would soon house a world-class railway station, one of only five such stations in India. He also pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir is currently witnessing ₹40,000 crore worth of railway projects, with ongoing work in Baramulla, Uri, Jammu, and Poonch.
A Milestone in Railway Infrastructure
Union Minister Jitendra Singh reflected on the long journey to reach this point, recalling that it took 50 years for the first train to reach Jammu. He credited former Minister Suresh Prabhu for resolving alignment issues in Reasi, which allowed railway work to resume. Singh also praised the new Vande Bharat trains now serving Udhampur and Kathua, saying the new division would be a game-changer for tourism and trade in the region. He concluded by stating that Jammu would soon be the most connected city in North India with its rail, road, and air links.
The inauguration of the Jammu railway division marks a significant leap forward for the region, ushering in improved connectivity, economic opportunities, and a brighter future for its residents.
