Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, virtually inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, calling it a historic milestone in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the national railway network and a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
“The inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division is a historic milestone in the integration of J&K into the national railway network and in advancing its infrastructure and connectivity,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting India’s engineering prowess, PM Modi termed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) a marvel of modern engineering. He commended iconic projects such as the Anji Khad Bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab River Arch Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, as testaments to the Indian Railways’ excellence and efficiency.
He described the USBRL as a symbol of India’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” emphasizing its role in boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities. “The Jammu Railway Division will not only benefit Jammu and Kashmir but also neighboring regions such as Punjab, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh,” PM Modi said.
A Decade of Transformational Changes in Indian Railways
The Prime Minister underscored the pivotal role of railways in achieving a truly developed Bharat. He said, “During the last decade, the Indian Railways has undergone transformational changes in modernization, facilities, and connectivity. This has opened up new opportunities for trade, employment, education, and business.”
PM Modi noted that over the last 10 years, 30,000 km of railway tracks have been added, and nearly 100% electrification of the rail network has been achieved, compared to just 35% in 2014. Initiatives such as the Gati Shakti University have further enhanced employment opportunities, with lakhs of youth benefiting from jobs in the railways.
He highlighted the success of over 50 operational Vande Bharat trains, which have reduced travel time and enhanced passenger convenience. “From 21 cities equipped with metro train facilities to the impending introduction of bullet trains, the modernization of Indian Railways is revolutionizing transportation across the nation,” the Prime Minister added.
Boosting Tourism and Socio-Economic Growth
PM Modi stressed that rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha will significantly promote tourism and socio-economic development in these regions.
On his X handle, he wrote, “The launch of rail infrastructure projects in Jammu-Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha will promote tourism and add to socio-economic development in these regions.”
Dignitaries Attend the Virtual Inauguration
The virtual inauguration event was attended in Jammu by prominent dignitaries, including Union Minister of State in the PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lok Sabha MP from Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma, and senior officials from civil, police, and railway administrations.
The inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division marks a significant leap in regional connectivity and exemplifies the government’s commitment to transforming the railways into a global leader.
