Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division on Monday, declaring it as a historic milestone in the region’s integration into India’s national railway network.
During his address, PM Modi stated the initiative as “a monumental step towards revolutionizing Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and travellers experience.” He highlighted the significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, announcing it a proof of India’s engineering excellence.
“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 not just achievements of modern engineering but symbols of our nation’s capabilities,” he remarked.
The new Jammu Railway Division is envisioned to improve connectivity and increase economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir while also benefiting neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. PM Modi noted that the inauguration is a symbol of India’s collective growth, based in the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’
He also pointed out the advancement made by Indian Railways over the past decade, mentioning the laying of over 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks and achieving near-total electrification, compared to only 35% in 2014. The removal of manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks has further boosted rail safety.
“This is a great day for new-age connectivity,” the Prime Minister remarked, highlighting that modernized railway stations, new terminals, and upgraded divisions are creating an array of opportunities for trade, business, and employment across the country.
PM Modi noted the feats of initiatives like Vande Bharat trains, with over 50 currently operational, and showcased the government’s determination to the high-speed rail project. “The day is around the vicinity when bullet trains will traverse the length and breadth of India, making rail travel truly world-class,” he added.
He also mentioned the rapid growth of metro networks, which have extended from just five cities in 2005 to 21 cities in the present, encompassing over 1,000 kilometers of operational tracks.
“Under the ‘Made in India’ initiative, railway stations are being modernized, and high-speed train corridors are being developed to ensure that India becomes the leader of connectivity and infrastructure,” PM Modi remarked, lauding Indian Railways as the backbone of a self-reliant and developed India.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister determined that the government’s commitment to creating a better future for millions through infrastructure development“is not just about connectivity; it’s about fulfilling expectations and creating endless opportunities for growth.”
