Railways all set to transform J&K’s economic landscape

PM Modi inaugurates Jammu Railway Division; CM Omar Abdullah calls it opportunity to create jobs

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
Srinagar, January 07 (STC): Inauguration of the newly created Jammu railway division by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday is a booster dose to the developmental initiatives taken by the Centre to transform Jammu & Kashmir with peace and prosperity. There will be never-seen-before vibrancy in the socio-economic landscape of the region when direct train services from New Delhi to Srinagar will start, which is slated for inauguration on the Republic Day, January 26. It’s worth mentioning that with the completion of 17-km Katra-Reasi track, final inspection by the commissioner of railways safety (CRS) will be done on January 7 and 8.
Remarkably, the creation of the 742.1 kilometres Jammu Railway Division comprising Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions.
It is worth mentioning that the union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah were present during the virtual inauguration of the new railway division in Jammu on Monday.
The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Integration of J&K into the national railway network is a monumental step towards transforming Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and passenger experience. Jammu railway division will not only benefit J&K but also Himachal Pradesh, several cities of Punjab and Leh-Ladakh”
While referring to two engineering marvels – the world’s highest rail arch bridge on the Chenab river and the country’s first cable stayed rail bridge on the Anji river, both in Reasi district, the PM said: “Today, our Jammu and Kashmir is setting new records in rail infrastructure. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is being talked about across the nation. This project will give impetus to the economy in the region.”
He termed it a symbol of India’s collective progress under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Jammu railway division, J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha while expressing gratitude to PM Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their attention to J&K, said, “Kashmir getting linked with Kanyakumari via rail was a dream and today, it has come true. The Modi government is making dreams come true. Vande Bharat trains are set to reach Kashmir. Jammu will become one the best stations and a lot more is in the pipeline.”
Meanwhile, Chief minister Omar Abdullah put at rest the fears of the people, saying that Jammu would not suffer losses due to the direct rail link to Kashmir.
“The new rail division at Jammu will create jobs, enhance trade and boost tourism. With control and coordination based in Jammu, local recruitment will get priority. Today is a historic day. The railway division was a long pending demand of the people and today, it has been fulfilled,” he said.
The CM said that the rail connectivity to Kashmir will strengthen Jammu’s economy. “We will ensure Jammu reaps benefits of this development (rail link to Kashmir).”
Meanwhile, it is fervently believed that the railways network will fulfill the long pending aspiration of the people and improve connectivity of the region to other parts of India. Additionally, it will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir.

Snippets of PM Speech

RAILWAYS NEARING 100% ELECTRIFICATION
PM Modi said that the government has laid more than 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks in the last 10 years, nearing 100% electrification, compared to just 35% in 2014. Additionally, he noted that the country has eliminated all manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks.
“Today is a big day for new-age connectivity. It shows that the entire nation is moving forward together,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister stressed that new railway divisions, terminals, and modernized stations are creating unprecedented opportunities for trade, business, and employment.
“The development of railways is creating lakhs of job opportunities. In the last 10 years, lakhs of youth have been employed in the railways, and initiatives like Gati Shakti University will further enhance the workforce’s skillset,” he said.

BULLET TRAINS IN OFFING
Referring to the strides in high-speed train services, PM Modi noted that more than 50 Vande Bharat trains are now operational, connecting long distances in shorter times and setting a benchmark for modern Indian trains.
“The time is not far when bullet trains will traverse across the country, making railway journeys memorable,” he added.
PM Modi emphasised that the railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. “Modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways. Stations are also being redeveloped, Solar panels are being installed at stations and ‘One Station, One Product’ stalls are being set up at railway stations,” PM said, adding, “All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector.”

LAUDS EXPANDING METRO NETWORK
The Prime Minister also lauded India’s expanding metro network, which has grown from just 5 cities in 2005 to 21 cities today, with over 1,000 kilometers of operational tracks.
Stressing the importance of indigenous development, PM Modi said, “Under the ‘Made in India’ initiative, railway stations are being modernized, and high-speed train corridors are being developed. This will ensure India leads from the front in connectivity and infrastructure.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Indian Railways the backbone of a developed and self-reliant India, saying, “This is not just about connectivity but also about fulfilling aspirations and creating a better future for millions.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that such projects not only enhance the ease of living but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with India’s broader infrastructure goals.

EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN BHARAT’S GROWTH
PM Modi noted that India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks.
He said that the number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today. “Projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country.”
Expressing confidence in Bharat’s growth, the Prime Minister said, “I am certain that, together, we will accelerate this growth even further.”
He congratulated the citizens of India on these milestones and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nation-building.

Snippets of LG Sinha’s Statement

SURVEYS ON TO CONNECT J&K TOWNS
He said that surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines. “DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line,” he said, adding, “By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies,” he added.

EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES TO SET UP PRIVATE FREIGHT TERMINAL
In view of the rapid industrialization taking place in J&K and emergence of Jammu, Samba and Kathua as industrial hubs, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Indian Railways should explore possibilities for establishment of Railways’ Private Freight Terminal to facilitate the transportation of goods and products of traders and industries of these areas.
Highlighting the progress achieved in the past decade, LG Sinha said, “The government has prioritized infrastructure development, with significant achievements in railway expansion and modernization. In the last ten years, over 5,309 kilometers of new railway lines have been added across the country, and more than 1,800 kilometers of track have been electrified.”
“Under the leadership of PM Modi, projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to further enhance the railway network,” he added.

VANDE BHARAT TRAINS REVOLUTIONIZING TRAVEL
LG Sinha also highlighted the role of Vande Bharat trains in revolutionizing travel across India, stating, “Soon, Vande Bharat trains will reach Kashmir, marking yet another milestone in modernizing the region’s transportation.”
The LG stressed that better connectivity has already started yielding results in J&K, with significant industrialization taking shape under the Modi government’s vision. The railway network, he said, will facilitate the movement of goods from J&K to other parts of India, creating new markets for local businesses and artisans.

RECALLS EFFORTS OF LATE DEVENDER RANA
In his address, LG Sinha paid rich tributes to senior BJP leader late Devendra Rana and acknowledged his efforts in bringing J&K’s concerns to the attention of the Railway Ministry. “Consistent engagement of late Rana and another leader Sunil Sharma with the Railway Minister were instrumental in realizing these landmark projects for J&K,” he noted.
LG Sinha reiterated that connectivity is the foundation of progress and promised that the government will continue to focus on building world-class infrastructure for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
(STC)