SRINAGAR: LG Manoj Sinha on Monday 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 emphasised the importance of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, calling it a marvel of engineering and a symbol of India’s progress.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the new Jammu Railway Division, LG Manoj Sinha said, “Connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari through the railway network was a dream for decades. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this dream has come true.”
He expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their focused efforts toward the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting progress over the past decade, LG Sinha said, “The government has prioritised infrastructure development, achieving significant milestones in railway expansion and modernisation. In the last ten years, over 5,309 kilometres of new railway lines have been added across the country, and more than 1,800 kilometres of track have been electrified.”
He added that Jammu is poised to become one of the finest railway stations globally, with the region now elevated to the status of a new railway division. This development, he said, will bring unprecedented connectivity and opportunities to the Union Territory.
“The railway network will become the lifeline of JK, driving economic growth and industrialisation in the region. Enhanced connectivity means more opportunities, more jobs, and a brighter future for the people of JK,” LG Sinha said.
He highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to further enhance the railway network. Surveys for new railway lines are also underway to boost connectivity within the region and with the rest of the country.
The LG also noted the role of Vande Bharat trains in transforming travel across India, stating, “Soon, Vande Bharat trains will reach Kashmir, marking yet another milestone in modernising the region’s transportation.”
He stressed that improved connectivity is already yielding results in J&K, with significant industrialisation taking shape under the Modi government’s vision. The railway network, he said, will facilitate the movement of goods from JK to other parts of India, opening new markets for local businesses and artisans.
In his address, LG Sinha paid tribute to senior BJP leaders Devendra Rana and Sunil Sharma, acknowledging their efforts in bringing JK’s concerns to the attention of the Railway Ministry. “Their consistent engagement with the Railway Minister has been instrumental in realising these landmark projects for JK,” he said.
LG Sinha reiterated that connectivity is the foundation of progress and assured that the government will continue focusing on building world-class infrastructure for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
