Jammu, Jan 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday virtually inaugurated the Jammu Division of Indian Railways – a move that fulfils a long-pending demand from the region. This comes weeks before the Modi government launches the first direct train service to Kashmir in six decades.
The new Jammu Division, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a video link as part of a series of new Indian Railway projects, is the Indian Railways’ 70th overall and the sixth under Northern Railways after Ambala, Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad and Firozpur.
Describing the opening of the Jammu Railway Division as a historic step in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into the national railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) as an engineering marvel. During a virtual inauguration ceremony, PM Modi called the establishment of the Jammu Railway Division a significant milestone.
“The Jammu Railway Division is a historic milestone in the integration of J&K into the national railway network, as well as in the development of infrastructure and connectivity in the region,” he added. “This marks a new chapter, as the Indian Railways takes a step closer to becoming a global leader.”
The inauguration of the Jammu Division of Indian Railways comes just ahead of the official opening of the Katra-Reasi railway section and the launch of the Vande Bharat train service to Srinagar. With trial runs already in progress, this rail section will establish a vital connection to the Kashmir Valley. When paired with the anticipated launch of Vande Bharat services to Kashmir on January 26, it is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region.
Meanwhile, PM Modi emphasised the significance of the USBRL, noting that it includes the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab River— the world’s highest railway bridge— which exemplify engineering excellence achieved solely by Indian Railways.
“The launch of rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir will promote tourism and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region,” PM Modi stated on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
He stressed that the USBRL is a testament to India’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all).
“The Jammu Railway Division will benefit not only Jammu and Kashmir but also neighbouring states such as Punjab, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh,” PM Modi added.
Highlighting the importance of railway development for a truly developed India, PM Modi remarked, “The modernization of Indian Railways is essential for national progress, and over the past decade, Indian Railways has undergone transformational changes in terms of modernization, facilities, and connectivity.”
PM Modi pointed out that the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division is proof of India’s ongoing advancement.
“In the last decade, 30,000 kilometers of railway track have been added, and the electrification of railways has reached near 100 percent, compared to just 35 percent in 2014,” he stated.
He also noted the numerous new opportunities for trade, employment, education, and business that have arisen due to the modernization of the railways. “Lakhs of youth have found employment in the railways in the last 10 years, and initiatives like the Gati Shakti University will further boost employment prospects,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the success of the Vande Bharat trains, with more than 50 now operational across the country, reducing travel time and connecting various regions.
Referring to the rapid expansion of metro services, which now operate in 21 cities, he expressed confidence that bullet trains would soon be operational in India. The virtual inauguration ceremony in Jammu was attended by Minister of State (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lok Sabha Member from Jammu constituency Jugal Kishore Sharma, and senior officials from the civil, police, and railway administrations.
