Will assist passengers and employees
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the Jammu Railway Division from New Delhi on January 6, just ahead of the start of train services linking the Kashmir valley with the rest of India.
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Currently, Jammu is part of the Firozepur Railway Division under Northern Railways. Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, will be present at the Jammu event.
Demanding the establishment of a Railway Division for Jammu, Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with UT BJP leaders and various organizations, recently met with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to advocate for this initiative.
Sources informed Excelsior that the Prime Minister will inaugurate a total of three Railway Divisions across the country on January 6, including Jammu, fulfilling a long-standing demand from Jammu stakeholders.
Once the Jammu Railway Division is established, it will enhance services for both passengers and railway employees, improving connectivity and promoting economic growth in the region. Officials noted that this development will also upgrade infrastructure and offer better public services.
Indian Railways currently comprises 17 Railway Zones and 68 Divisions throughout the country. The decision to designate Jammu as a Railway Division precedes the anticipated launch of much-awaited train services to the Kashmir Valley from various parts of India. Presently, trains operate between Sangaldan and Baramulla.
Meanwhile, the Railways are conducting trial runs on the Katra-Reasi section, approximately 18 km in length, which is a significant part of the project. During these trials, officials are assessing various technical parameters such as track stability, tunnel ventilation, signaling, and train control systems.
The inauguration of the Kashmir train service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected around January 20, although specific details are yet to be confirmed. Proposed train routes include connections between New Delhi, Srinagar, Baramulla, and other areas, along with services between Jammu and Srinagar.
The completion of the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project seeks to deliver modern rail infrastructure that adheres to international standards, promising passengers exceptional amenities and services. The Katra-Reasi section, in particular, features advanced technology and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art signaling systems, tunnels, and bridges.
