Yogesh
Jammu, Jan 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for J&K by connecting Kashmir to the national railway network.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of new Jammu Railway Division here, Lt Governor Sinha said, “Connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari through the railway network was a dream for decades, and today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this dream has come true.”
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their focused efforts toward the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt Governor Sinha lauded the efforts of the Indian Railways for spearheading a new era of development and integration in Jammu and Kashmir. “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region,” he said.
Lt Governor Sinha said that Jammu is set to become one of the finest railway stations in the world, with the region being elevated to the status of a new railway division. This, he said, will bring unprecedented connectivity and opportunities to the Union Territory.
By January end Kashmir will be fully connected
The Lt Governor announced that by the end of this month, the Kashmir Valley will be fully connected to the national railway grid, marking a transformative moment for the region. He emphasized the significance of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of India’s progress.
“The railway network will become the lifeline of J&K, driving economic progress and industrialization in the region. Enhanced connectivity means more opportunities, more jobs, and a brighter future for the people of J&K,” Lt Governor Sinha said.
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
Lt Governor 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 Lt Governor 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, Lt Governor 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.
Lt Governor 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.
The dignitaries present on the occasion included Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), MoS PMO, DoPT Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, Space, Dr Jitendra Singh; Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Member of Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma; Members of Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma and Vikram Randhawa; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; General Manager Northern Railways, Ashok Kumar Verma; senior officials, political leaders and prominent citizens.
The creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM 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, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of the country. It will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.
