Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today dispelled concerns regarding the direct rail service between Kashmir and the rest of the country, affirming that the project will significantly benefit the Jammu region. Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah assured residents that his government will ensure robust economic growth stemming from the long-anticipated project.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Connectivity
Addressing the function virtually from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi hailed the Jammu Railway Division as a historic milestone in integrating Jammu and Kashmir into India’s national railway network. “This inauguration is a testament to our commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ bringing unparalleled connectivity and opportunities to the region,” Modi said.
Abdullah lauded Modi’s efforts in infrastructure development, emphasizing the role of connectivity in fostering growth. He highlighted complementary projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
Addressing Local Concerns
Abdullah acknowledged apprehensions among Jammu residents, drawing comparisons to Pathankot’s economic challenges when rail service extended to Jammu. He reassured, “The rail service to Kashmir will not harm Jammu. On the contrary, it will enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity, benefiting both areas immensely.”
Abdullah highlighted the steep costs of air travel during winters, stating, “Airfares often surge to Rs 25,000 for a Rs 5,000 ticket. The new rail service will not only benefit passengers but also boost trade and industries with cargo train facilities.”
Jammu Railway Division: A Long-Pending Dream Fulfilled
Abdullah expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Jammu Railway Division, which now oversees 742.1 kilometers of railway tracks, including sections extending to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. “This division ensures administrative control remains in Jammu, enabling better coordination and recruitment opportunities,” he said.
The Jammu Railway Division will manage critical projects such as the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge—and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge, both engineering marvels located in Reasi district. These projects symbolize progress and will facilitate economic prosperity across the region.
Expanding Rail Service Across Jammu and Kashmir
Reflecting on the railway’s expansion over the decades, Abdullah outlined its trajectory: from Pathankot to Jammu, then Udhampur, Katra, and now towards Srinagar and Baramulla. “In my previous tenure as Chief Minister, I inaugurated the Katra railway station. Today, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we celebrate another milestone,” he said.
He also emphasized future plans for extending the railway to Poonch-Rajouri in Jammu and beyond Baramulla in Kashmir. “This expansion will further unify the region, promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” Abdullah stated.
A Bright Future for Jammu’s Railways
Congratulating the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah affirmed, “The Jammu Railway Division is not just a development milestone but a promise of progress for generations to come.” The Chief Minister extended gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their dedication to the region’s development.
As Jammu embraces its role as a key hub in India’s railway network, Abdullah’s assurances offer hope for a connected and prosperous future. With enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, the region is poised for a new era of growth and development.
