PM Modi virtually inaugurates Jammu Railway Division

Jammu, Jan 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the “inauguration of Jammu Railway Division and other projects worth crores launched and initiated” on Monday as a “watershed moment in new age connectivity” aimed at spurring inclusive economic growth of the country to realise the vision of “developed India”.

He was addressing the gathering after virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of three major railway projects, including the newly created Jammu Railway Division.

The PM asserted that the newly created Jammu Railway Division would not only benefit the entire J&K but Ladakh and many cities of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh as well, bolstering the economy and generating job avenues besides improving connectivity.

Appreciating the enviable expansion of railway infrastructure in J&K, he said that the ambitious USBRL project would become a new growth engine of the economy of the region.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of the Rayagada Railway Division building of East Coast Railway in Odisha and inaugurated the Charlapalli new Terminal Station in Telangana through video-conferencing.

“Today multifarious railway projects worth crores have been inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and initiated by laying foundation stones. It’s a watershed moment and in terms of new age connectivity, it’s a very significant day for a large part of India, encompassing Jammu and Kashmir in North; Odisha in East and Telangana in South,” the PM said.

PROJECTS LAUNCHED STEP FORWARD TO REALISE “VIKSIT BHARAT” VISION

The PM said that the projects launched would help realise the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”

“Gigantic leap in advanced means of connectivity with the launch of ambitious projects in these three regions embodies the intrinsic spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” Mantra, delineating the forward march of the entire country in unison, step by step,” he said.

“It is this pace of progression which is adding hues of confidence to turn the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) into reality. I take this opportunity to congratulate the people of these three States and all other countrymen for these projects accelerating growth,” PM Modi said.

He pointed out that as the expansion of the railway network was gaining pace, new divisions and headquarters were being set up to complement this growth.

“Besides J&K, many cities of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are also going to reap benefits of the newly created Jammu Railway Division. This will also facilitate people from Leh-Ladakh,” he said exuding confidence.

USBRL PROJECT TO EMERGE AS GROWTH ENGINE OF J&K’S ECONOMY

Appreciating the expansion of railway infrastructure in J&K, he said that the USBRL project would emerge as a new growth engine of the economy in J&K by giving the desired impetus to connectivity and creating employment avenues.

“Our J&K, at present, is creating new records in railway infrastructure as at an enviable pace it is establishing new milestones. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (Link) is making waves and winning laurels across the country. This (USBRL) project will link up J&K with the rest of India, with enhanced and better connectivity,” the PM said.

“Under this project only, the world's highest railway arch bridge - Chenab Bridge has been completed. Anji Khad Bridge, which is the country’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, is also part of this project. Both these bridges are engineering marvels. They will spur economic progress and prosperity in the region,” he said.

BULLET TRAIN IN INDIA

While delineating the progress vis-à-vis railway infrastructure, PM Modi asserted that the day was not far when India would witness even the operation of its first bullet train.

“We are taking forward the development of railways in India on four parameters. First is modernisation of railway infrastructure; second - modern facilities for railway passengers; third - railway connectivity in every corner of the country and fourth - Railways for creating jobs and supporting industries,” he said explaining the railway’s expansion plan.

At the very outset of his address, the PM extended his greetings on the occasion of Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Jayanti.

He said that Guruji’s teachings and life inspired the vision of a strong and prosperous nation.

Lauding the country’s fast-paced progress in connectivity, PM Modi said that since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1000 kilometres.

He mentioned the recent inauguration of the Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects yesterday.

The PM underscored that the work on modern rail networks like the dedicated freight corridor was progressing rapidly in the country.

He said these special corridors would reduce pressure on the regular tracks and create more opportunities for high-speed trains.

PM Modi emphasised that the railways were undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India.

He said modern coaches were being developed for metros and railways.

“Stations are also being redeveloped, solar panels are being installed at stations and ‘One Station, One Product’ stalls are being set up at railway stations. All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector,” he said.

The PM said that keeping in mind the special skills related to the railways, the country’s first Gati-Shakti University had also been established.

With regard to Odisha, he said that the state was blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, holding significant potential for international trade.

He said, “Several railway projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry. Today, the foundation stone has been laid for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha, which will strengthen the state’s railway infrastructure promoting  tourism, business, and employment in Odisha especially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher.”

Inaugurating the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana today, the PM highlighted its potential to accelerate regional development.

He emphasised that such projects not only enhanced the ease of living but also promoted the ease of doing business, aligning with India’s broader infrastructure goals.

Highlighting massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks, PM Modi said that the number of airports had grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today and that metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country.

“These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country,” he said.

The Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw; Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Jitendra Singh; Union Minister V Somanna, Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha, Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Telangana, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, CM of Telangana A Revanth Reddy and CM of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi were present among other dignitaries at the event.