SRINAGAR: Ahead of the much-anticipated launch of train services connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the newly designated Jammu Railway Division from New Delhi on January 6, reports appearing in media said. This development fulfils a long-standing demand of regional stakeholders and marks a significant step in improving connectivity and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Presently, Jammu falls under the Firozepur Railway Division of Northern Railways. The creation of a separate Railway Division has been a persistent demand by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s leadership in Jammu, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and various trade organisations.
Officials have confirmed that the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division is part of a larger initiative in which the Prime Minister will inaugurate three new Railway Divisions nationwide on the same day. The decision is seen as a transformative move that will benefit passengers and railway employees alike, while also fostering economic growth in the region.
Jammu’s designation as a Railway Division comes as Indian Railways works toward completing the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Trial runs are currently underway on the 18-kilometre Katra-Reasi section, with assessments focusing on technical aspects such as track stability, tunnel ventilation, and signalling systems.
The inauguration of train services to the Kashmir Valley, connecting regions such as Baramulla and Srinagar with the rest of India, is anticipated around January 20. Once operational, these services will include routes from New Delhi to Baramulla and intra-state connections between Jammu and Srinagar.
The USBRL project represents a leap forward in rail infrastructure, integrating advanced technology and amenities to international standards. With state-of-the-art signalling, robust tunnel systems, and cutting-edge bridges, this project aims to enhance the overall travel experience while contributing to the region’s economic development.
