Train to Kashmir, new Railway Division to spur Jammu’s economy: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Jan 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday, while allaying the apprehensions related to rail connectivity to Valley, asserted that train to Kashmir and the new Railway Division would spur Jammu’s economy and bolster tourism potential with increased footfall.

He was addressing the gathering at the Jammu-Tawi Railway Station during the inauguration of the new Rail Division of Jammu, virtually by the Prime Minister from the union capital.

“We extend gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating a new Railway Division for Jammu, thus meeting a long pending demand of J&K people; raised multiple times at various fora, including the Parliament. We know and greatly appreciate that the PM and the Railway Minister are making strenuous efforts to improve and enhance connectivity in J&K. The event thus is a historic milestone for the people of J&K,” the CM said.

“A lot of infra development initiatives are underway including the Z Morh and Zojila Tunnel. We hope these projects will be completed very soon. Similarly, the expansion of airports has also been taken up. While the work on Jammu airport is going on, we hope that Srinagar airport expansion will also be taken up soon,” he said.

CM Omar also recalled the last major function of his earlier tenure as he drew parallel with today’s event in his inimitable manner.

“Call it a coincidence, the last major function during my earlier tenure (as the CM) before elections was related to the railway. It was the inauguration of Katra Railway Station. In my second tenure this time, the first major function, following government formation after elections is also related to the railway – inauguration of Jammu Railway Division. Interestingly, both the functions were presided over by the PM Modi. Both projects were of monumental value to J&K,” he said.

With regard to Jammu’s concerns about “direct train service to Kashmir”, he said, “Rest assured, Jammu will not suffer losses rather it will reap benefits of increased footfall due to these projects. I want to assure you that despite challenges, the benefits will far outweigh the disadvantages.”

A government spokesperson said that the CM congratulated the people of J&K on this landmark achievement and extended his sincere thanks to PM Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Member of Parliament for fulfilling a long-standing demand for a dedicated rail division in Jammu.

“For years, our rail division was managed from Firozpur because rail connectivity did not extend to J&K. Over time, however, the rail network steadily expanded – from Pathankot to Jammu, then to Udhampur, Katra, and Kashmir. Today, we see a growing rail network connecting Srinagar to Baramulla, Anantnag, Banihal, and now Sangaldan,” he said.

“The recent trial run of the train between Srinagar and Katra is a promising sign of progress, and we look forward to the completion of this connectivity under the leadership of the PM,” the CM said.

Referring to the significance of the new connectivity, CM Omar said, “We recently received the good news that a trial train is being run from Srinagar to Katra. It is hoped that it will become fully operational soon, benefiting the people of Jammu and Kashmir immensely.”

He emphasised that the new rail division would bring administrative control closer to Jammu, reducing reliance on Firozpur, and would also create local recruitment opportunities.

The CM said that the inclusion of parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the new division fostered greater regional cooperation.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the project, he said, “Rail connectivity will bring immense benefits to Jammu and Kashmir. It will boost trade, tourism, and industrial growth. During harsh winters, when road closures disrupt transport, railways will provide a reliable alternative, reducing dependency on costly air travel. The new division will also facilitate cargo transfer and make travel more affordable, especially during winter when airfare skyrockets.”

Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw also attended the event virtually.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Member of Parliament Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma, the Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, J&K BJP President Sat Sharma besides several Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and other dignitaries were present in the event at Jammu Railway Station.