JAMMU, Jan 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly established Jammu railway division via virtual means on Monday, enhancing the management of train services in India’s northernmost region.
The launch of this new railway division in Jammu fulfills a long-cherished demand of the local populace. This significant event precedes the eagerly awaited commencement of train services to Kashmir from Katra, with the final trial run slated for Tuesday.
“The Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate the Jammu railway division from New Delhi tomorrow,” an official confirmed.
In Jammu, the occasion will be attended and addressed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh is also anticipated to participate.
Headquartered in Jammu, the new division will involve reorganizing the Firozpur Division and will encompass several sections including Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 route km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 route km), Batala (excluding)-Pathankot (68.17 route km), and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge section, 163.72 route km).
The cumulative length of these sections will measure 742.1 kilometers. Presently, the Indian Railways operates 17 zones with a total of 68 divisions across the nation.
Railway officials indicated that the final jurisdiction will be established based on the Detailed Project Report.
This division will boast modern, state-of-the-art facilities that utilize the full capabilities of Information Technology (IT).
With this new division, Indian Railways will increase its number of divisions to 70 under its 17 zones.
The newly formed division will supervise operations of India’s landmark railway projects such as the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the world’s highest railway arch bridge situated over the Chenab River at Kauri.
The Chenab Rail Bridge, located in the Reasi district, reaches a height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The Jammu division will also oversee the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which is in the final stages of completion.
The Anji Khad Bridge spans a total of 473.25 meters, comprising a 120-meter viaduct and a 94.25-meter central embankment.
At present, the railway services in Jammu and Kashmir are administered by the Firozpur Division of Northern Railways.
Regarding the inauguration of train services from Delhi to Kashmir, the Commissioner of Railway Safety will perform necessary inspections and final trials on January 7 and 8.
With the phased introduction of train services, the Railways aims to complete 255 km of the 272-kilometre USBRL project, with only a small section between Katra and Reasi remaining to be finalized by December. (Agencies)
