- विज्ञापन -
Jammu: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, praised the inauguration of the new Jammu railway division on Monday, describing it as a historic milestone that will greatly benefit the rural areas of Kashmir and aid in the region’s overall development.
At the event in Jammu, Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “Today marks a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir and for Indian Railways. It’s important to note that railways first reached J&K in 1972. It feels like destiny that after over 50 years, this dream, once deemed impossible, has become a reality under PM Modi’s leadership.”
He highlighted the rapid advancements in railway infrastructure achieved in the last decade, noting that approximately 61,000 kilometers of railway tracks have been electrified across India. He pointed out that regions like Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, which had never experienced train services before, now have access to them, ensuring that no part of India is without double train tracks.
Dr. Singh also announced the introduction of Vande Bharat trains in Jammu, mentioning that the first Vande Bharat train operated between Varanasi and Delhi, and now two such trains are running between Katra and Jammu.
Additionally, he celebrated the renaming of Udhampur railway station to “Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station” in honor of the fallen soldier, marking the first time in India that a railway station has been named after a martyr. He acknowledged the long-standing demand from local traders, businesses, and the tourism sector for a separate railway division in Jammu, crediting PM Modi for fulfilling this request. He praised the significant focus on improving rail and road connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Jammu railway division via virtual means, addressing a long-standing need of the region’s residents. This development is expected to enhance the efficiency of train services in northern India.
The inauguration comes ahead of the eagerly awaited launch of train services to Kashmir from Katra, with the final trial run scheduled for Tuesday. The event in Jammu was attended by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma.
The new Jammu division will be headquartered in Jammu and will reorganize the Firozpur Division. Its jurisdiction covers several important sections, including Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 route km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 route km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 route km), and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge section, 163.72 route km), totaling 742.1 kilometers.
Currently, Indian Railways operates 17 zones and 68 divisions nationwide.
