TDD Correspondent
Jammu, (TDD): Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division today marking a historic leap in Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity with the rest of the country.
Calling it a transformative moment, PM Modi emphasized the importance of integrating J&K into India’s national railway network to accelerate development and uplift the region’s socio-economic landscape.
In his address, the Prime Minister hailed the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project as a shining example of India’s engineering prowess. “The Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Rail Bridge, the highest in the world, are not just marvels of engineering but milestones of national pride,” he said.
The newly inaugurated Jammu Railway Division is set to enhance trade, tourism, and connectivity in J&K while extending its benefits to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh. PM Modi described the development as a realization of the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ propelling India closer to becoming a developed nation under the ‘Vikshit Bharat’ initiative.
Highlighting a decade of progress in rail infrastructure, PM Modi noted that over 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks have been added, with nearly 100% electrification achieved, a remarkable jump from just 35% in 2014. He also stressed the government’s focus on safety, citing the elimination of all manual crossings on broad-gauge lines.
“This is a monumental day for modern connectivity in India,” the Prime Minister said, pointing to the modernization of railway stations and the operational success of over 50 Vande Bharat trains. He reaffirmed his vision for high-speed bullet trains, promising a future where India’s railway system matches global standards of efficiency and speed.
The Prime Minister also commended the rapid expansion of metro networks, now operational in 21 cities with over 1,000 kilometers of tracks, as a testament to India’s urban mobility progress.
Underlining the importance of indigenous development, PM Modi said, “The ‘Made in India’ initiative is at the heart of our railway modernization efforts, ensuring self-reliance and fostering economic growth.”
Concluding his speech, PM Modi reiterated the transformative potential of infrastructure development, stating, “This is not just about laying tracks and running trains. It’s about realizing aspirations, creating jobs, and shaping a brighter future for millions of Indians.” (TDD)