Yogesh
Jammu, Jan 6: Terming new Jammu Railway Division a historic milestone in the development of Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity and infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated his government’s resolve to build “Viksit Bharat.”
Addressing the nation after inaugurating the new railway division virtually, PM Modi, said, “It’s a symbol of India’s collective progress under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” filling colours in the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).”
“To achieve Viksit Bharat, it is essential to develop Indian Railways,” he said, adding that the past decade has witnessed a transformational change in railway infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and improved facilities for passengers.”
Congratulates J&K people
PM Modi 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.”
“The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is a landmark achievement that demonstrates India’s engineering excellence.”
Highlighting the feats of modern engineering, he said, “India’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—are marvels that are making waves globally.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the new Jammu Railway Division would not only benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also extend its advantages to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh.
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.
Prominent dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister V. Somanna, Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha, Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Telangana A Revanth Reddy and Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi.
Besides inaugurating new Jammu Railway Division, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and also inaugurated Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri District of Telangana.
