Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the Jammu Railway Division from New Delhi on January 6, marking a significant step ahead of the launch of train services connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
Currently, Jammu falls under the Firozpur Railway Division of Northern Railways. The establishment of the Jammu Railway Division fulfills a long-standing demand of local organizations in the region.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, will represent the event in Jammu. Alongside Jammu, two other Railway Divisions will also be inaugurated across the country on the same day.
The creation of the Jammu Railway Division is expected to benefit both passengers and railway employees, enhance connectivity, and foster economic development in the region. Officials have stated that this move will improve infrastructure and provide enhanced services to the public.
The decision comes as the Railways prepare to launch a direct train to the Kashmir Valley, anticipated around January 20. While the exact date and venue for the train’s inauguration remain undecided, the project represents a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure development.
Currently, train services in Jammu and Kashmir operate between Sangaldan and Baramulla. Meanwhile, a trial run is underway on the crucial 18-km Katra-Reasi section, a vital segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The trial assesses technical parameters such as track stability, tunnel ventilation, signaling, and control systems.
The USBRL project aims to provide world-class rail infrastructure with advanced amenities. Proposed train services include routes connecting New Delhi-Srinagar-Baramulla and Jammu-Srinagar. The Katra-Reasi section is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including modern signaling systems, tunnels, and bridges, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
Indian Railways currently operates 17 zones and 68 divisions. (KNS)
