‘Udhampur-Baramulla line will provide enhanced connectivity’
*Chenab and Anji Khad bridges are outstanding engineering achievements
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Jan 6: In preparation for the train launch to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Jammu Railway Division virtually from New Delhi, stating that the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla (USBRL) rail line, which is being widely discussed across the country, will significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
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Speaking via video conference after the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division and other railway initiatives in Odisha and Telangana, Modi referred to the inauguration as a historic landmark in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the national railway system and a boost for the infrastructure and connectivity of the Union Territory. Click here to watch video
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also participated virtually, while key attendees at the event held at Jammu Railway Station included Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lok Sabha Member from Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and senior officials from the Railway, civil, and police administration.
“The completion of the Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed bridge, will be pivotal in connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of India, thereby providing convenience to the residents of Leh-Ladakh,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He referred to the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, located in the Reasi district on the Katra-Baramulla railway line, as exceptional feats of engineering that will lead to economic advancement in the region and enhance prosperity.
Modi emphasized that as the railway network expands, new divisions and headquarters are being created to benefit regions like Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Leh-Ladakh. He stated that the inauguration of the Jammu division has cemented Indian Railways’ status as a global leader.
He explained that the USBRL exemplifies India’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and that the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division serves as living proof that the country is advancing.
“The rollout of railway infrastructure projects in Jammu-Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha will boost tourism and contribute to the socio-economic growth of these areas,” Modi shared on his X handle.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division and laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, as well as inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.
“The establishment of the Jammu Railway Division, encompassing 742.1 KM of Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot, and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar segments, will greatly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and its neighboring areas, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the populace while improving linkage to other parts of India. This initiative will generate employment opportunities, foster infrastructure development, enhance tourism, and lead to overall socio-economic progress in the region,” an official statement conveyed.
“Achieving a truly developed Bharat necessitates the advancement of railways. It is this understanding that has driven the Indian Railways to undergo transformative changes in recent years concerning modernization, facilities, and connectivity,” the Prime Minister stated.
He highlighted that in the last decade, 30,000 Km of railway track has been developed, with near-total electrification of the railways achieved, rising from just 35 percent in 2014. The modernization of Indian Railways has unveiled new opportunities for trade, employment, education, and business. Thousands of youths have gained employment through the railways over the past decade, with initiatives such as Gati Shakti University further improving job prospects.
Modi mentioned that over 50 Vande Bharat trains are currently operational, reducing travel times and distances for passengers. He noted that the metro train system has expanded to 21 cities and stated that the advent of bullet trains in the country is not far off.
The Railways have undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, improving India’s image and uplifting the public’s spirit, he remarked.
An increasing number of people desire to minimize travel times, leading to a rising demand for high-speed trains, according to the Prime Minister.
With the launch of several infrastructure projects in recent days, he affirmed that India is keeping pace with its connectivity goals as the new year begins.
He described Monday as a significant milestone in “new-age connectivity” for various regions of the country.
Modi underscored that the modernization of infrastructure, the provision of modern amenities for passengers, the enhancement of connectivity across the country, and the support of employment and industry are the fundamental principles driving development within the railway sector.
He also elaborated on the expansion of the metro network and the reforms implemented within the Railways.
