Jammu to Get Dedicated Railway Division, PM Modi to Inaugurate on January 6

TNL Network

JAMMU, Dec 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the Jammu Railway Division on January 6, marking a significant step in connecting the region with the rest of the country. The event, which will be hosted from New Delhi, comes as part of the inauguration of three new Railway Divisions across India.

Currently, Jammu falls under the Firozepur Railway Division of Northern Railways. The move to create a dedicated division for Jammu fulfills a long-standing demand from local organizations, trade bodies, and political leaders. Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been a key proponent of this initiative, will attend the ceremony in Jammu.

Dr. Singh, along with the UT BJP leadership and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had recently met Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to press for the declaration of the Jammu Railway Division. Their persistent efforts have finally borne fruit.

Officials revealed that the creation of the Jammu Railway Division will significantly benefit passengers and railway employees while bolstering the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. “This development will improve connectivity, enhance public services, and provide better facilities for both commuters and railway staff,” an official stated.

Indian Railways currently operates 17 zones and 68 divisions nationwide. The decision to designate Jammu as a separate division aligns with the upcoming launch of train services to the Kashmir Valley, a landmark project under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

As part of the USBRL project, trial runs are underway on the critical Katra-Reasi section, spanning 18 kilometers. This stretch, featuring advanced infrastructure such as modern signaling systems, tunnels, and bridges, is a key component of the rail link to Kashmir. Technical parameters, including track stability and tunnel ventilation, are being rigorously tested.

The train service connecting the Kashmir Valley with major parts of India is expected to launch around January 20, with the exact date and location for its inauguration yet to be finalized. Proposed routes include New Delhi-Srinagar-Baramulla and Jammu-Srinagar, offering improved access to the region and fostering tourism and commerce.

The completion of the USBRL project promises state-of-the-art rail infrastructure that meets international standards, delivering world-class amenities and services to passengers. With the Katra-Reasi section nearing operational readiness, the region is on the cusp of a transformative era in rail connectivity.