Kashmir Rail Connectivity: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly established Jammu Railway Division on January 6, Monday. The initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity and streamlining operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Punjab. The inauguration comes ahead of the eagerly awaited launch of train services connecting the Kashmir Valley with various parts of the country. At present, train operations in the region are limited to the stretch between Sangaldan and Baramulla. PM Modi will inaugurate the new division virtually and not in person.
Jammu Railway Division equipped with hi-tech facilities
The Jammu Railway Division has been carved out of the Ferozepur division. It will be equipped with modern, hi-tech facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced signaling systems, tunnels, and bridges. These upgrades aim to ensure safer and more efficient train operations across the region.
Reducing dependency, enhancing connectivity
This new division will reduce dependency on the Firozpur Division, which currently manages railway operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the Pathankot region of Punjab. By decentralizing administrative and operational control, the Jammu division is expected to enable faster decision-making and more effective management tailored to the specific needs of the region.
With its creation, the Jammu Railway Division is poised to enhance regional connectivity and streamline transportation services, fostering economic growth and development. The move aligns with the government’s broader vision to improve infrastructure and boost connectivity in underserved regions.
The establishment of this division is seen as a strategic step to address the growing transportation demands of the region. It will play a pivotal role in ensuring smoother railway operations while improving the quality of service for passengers and businesses alike.
The inauguration highlights the modernisation of India’s railway network and fostering balanced regional development, while also emphasising the critical role of infrastructure in national progress.
Trial run on Katra-Reasi section
Meanwhile, the Railways is conducting trial runs on the critical Katra-Reasi section, a key 18-kilometer segment of the ambitious railway project. These trial runs are focused on evaluating essential technical aspects, including track stability, tunnel ventilation systems, signaling infrastructure, and train control mechanisms.
This testing phase is a crucial step toward ensuring the seamless and safe operation of trains on this challenging terrain, bringing the vision of enhanced connectivity to the Kashmir Valley closer to reality.