Jammu, Jan 6: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the new Jammu Railway Division. During the event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for this significant development.
“This division holds strategic importance and is poised to enhance economic growth, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and develop new tourist routes,” he stated. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the impressive advancements made in establishing a robust railway network in the Union Territory (UT), noting that the Indian Railways is pivotal in the journey toward a prosperous and self-sufficient J&K.
“Indian Railways is ushering in a new phase of growth and integration for Jammu and Kashmir. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will create a direct connection between Kashmir and Kanyakumari, significantly enhancing tourism, trade, and employment prospects in the region,” the Lieutenant Governor explained.
He further opined that by linking Kashmir to the national railway grid, Indian Railways is laying down the groundwork for a thriving and interconnected future for Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, infrastructure development across various sectors has achieved unprecedented standards in J&K.
“By prioritizing infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, we are building a future where economic growth and improved livelihoods coexist, empowering everyone to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he asserted.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that enhanced connectivity is unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s potential. Improved transportation efficiency is spurring trade, fostering industrialization, and facilitating the movement of both raw materials and finished goods.
He emphasized that better market access is leading to significant socio-economic progress, with tourism receiving a vital boost. The Lieutenant Governor also mentioned several transformative railway projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting Indian Railways’ unwavering dedication to improving regional connectivity and promoting socio-economic development.
Ongoing surveys include the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78 km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28 km) rail lines. Additionally, detailed project reports are being reviewed for new lines between Baramulla-Uri (46 km), Baramulla-Kupwara (39 km), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223 km), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar, and Dunera (117 km), Sopore-Kupwara (37 km), Pathankot-Leh (664 km), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489 km), and the doubling of the Baramulla-Banihal line.
These initiatives aim to connect key towns and areas, thereby unlocking the region’s untapped potential and boosting local economies. Given the rapid industrialization occurring in J&K and the rise of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua as industrial hubs, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for Indian Railways to consider establishing a Private Freight Terminal to streamline the transportation of goods for local traders and industries.
He commended all stakeholders for their contributions and acknowledged the late Devender Singh Rana’s efforts towards establishing the new Jammu Railway Division. Furthermore, he announced that the Prime Minister will soon inaugurate the Z-morh tunnel.
The new Jammu Railway Division, stretching across 742.1 km and connecting Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, as well as various sections, is set to significantly enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding areas, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the populace. This initiative is expected to create job opportunities, facilitate infrastructure development, promote tourism, and foster overall socio-economic growth in the region.
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