Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 6: The long-awaited approval for the Jammu railway division was hailed by prominent political figures, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister Dr. Jitender Singh.
This milestone follows the successful trial run of the train service between Srinagar and Katra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to inaugurate the project shortly.
CM Omar Abdullah congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reassuring Jammu residents concerned about potential negative effects from the railway expansion to Srinagar. “There is a concern that if the train reaches Srinagar, Jammu might lose out. But I assure you, this will benefit Jammu as well,” Abdullah stated. He emphasized that the new service would boost trade and tourism and help reduce the high cost of flights during winter months. “The train to Srinagar will offer better connectivity to the people,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed Abdullah’s comments, highlighting the rapid progress under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. “Earlier, projects took a long time to complete. But now, under PM Modi’s guidance, works are being finished swiftly, leading to quick development,” Sinha said. He also pointed out that Jammu would soon feature a world-class railway station, one of only five such stations in India.
Sinha further stressed the significant impact of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, and the upcoming Kashmir-Kanyakumari rail link. “Jammu and Kashmir is currently seeing Rs 40,000 crore in railway projects, with work underway in Baramulla, Uri, Jammu, and Poonch,” he explained.
Union Minister Dr. Jitender Singh celebrated the historic advances in railway infrastructure, noting that it took 50 years for the first train to reach Jammu. “Now, after overcoming numerous challenges, Jammu is about to connect with Srinagar,” Singh said. He credited the intervention of former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu for resolving alignment issues in Reasi, allowing the completion of the world’s highest railway bridge.
Singh also highlighted the importance of the two Vande Bharat trains now serving Udhampur and Kathua, calling the new railway division a game-changer for tourism and trade. “This will make Jammu the most connected city in North India, with integrated rail, road, and air connectivity,” he concluded.