Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the new Jammu Railway Division after the latter inaugurated it through virtual mode.
“This new division is very important from a strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits,” Sinha said.
According to an official press release, speaking on the progress achieved in developing a comprehensive railway-network in the UT, the LG said the Indian Railways stands at the forefront of our journey toward a developed and self-reliant J&K.
“For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region,” the LG said.
He said by connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for Jammu and Kashmir.
The LG observed that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “the infrastructure development across the sectors has set new benchmarks in the UT of J&K”.
“With a strong emphasis on infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, we are laying the foundation for a future where economic growth and improved livelihoods go hand in hand and everyone is empowered to make this vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 a reality,” the LG said.
He said the enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialization, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
The LG highlighted that with better access to markets, the socio-economic upliftment of the region is being realized, and tourism is receiving a much-needed boost.
The LG also spoke on several transformative railway projects in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to improving regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development.
Surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines. DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line, he said.
By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies, the LG added.
“In view of the rapid industrialization taking place in J&K and emergence of Jammu, Samba and Kathua as industrial hubs,” the LG emphasized that Indian Railways should explore possibilities for establishment of Railways’ Private Freight Terminal to facilitate the transportation of goods and products of traders and industries of these areas.
The LG lauded the efforts of every stakeholder and also recalled the contribution of Late Devender Singh Rana for a new Jammu Railway Division.
He further informed that the Z-morh tunnel will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister soon.
The creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM comprising Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot, Batala-Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long-pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India. It will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), MoS PMO, DoPT Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, Space, Dr Jitendra Singh; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Member of Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma; Members of Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma and Vikram Randhawa; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; General Manager Northern Railways, Ashok Kumar Verma; senior officials, political leaders and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present during the UT level function at Railway Station Jammu.
