Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced that by the end of this month, the Kashmir Valley will be fully integrated into the national railway grid. This development marks a significant milestone for the region’s connectivity and infrastructure. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Jammu Railway Division, LG Sinha highlighted the engineering achievement of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, describing it as a symbol of India’s progress.
“Connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari through the railway network was a dream for decades. Today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this dream has come true,” stated LG Sinha. He expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their dedicated efforts in advancing the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Over the past decade, the government has focused on infrastructure development, adding more than 5,309 kilometers of new railway lines and electrifying over 1,800 kilometers of track across the country. LG Sinha noted that Jammu is poised to become one of the finest railway stations globally, now recognized as a new railway division, which will bring unprecedented connectivity and opportunities to the Union Territory.
“The railway network will serve as the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir, driving economic growth and industrialization. Enhanced connectivity means more opportunities, more jobs, and a brighter future for the people of JK,” he added.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir to further enhance the railway network. Surveys for new railway lines are also underway to improve connectivity within the region and with the rest of the country.
LG Sinha mentioned the role of Vande Bharat trains in transforming travel across India, stating that they will soon reach Kashmir, marking another step forward in modernizing the region’s transportation.
He emphasized that improved connectivity is already yielding positive results in J&K, with significant industrialization taking shape. The railway network will facilitate the movement of goods from JK to other parts of India, opening new markets for local businesses and artisans.
In his address, LG Sinha acknowledged senior BJP leaders Devendra Rana and Sunil Sharma for their efforts in bringing JK’s concerns to the attention of the Railway Ministry. “Their consistent engagement with the Railway Minister has been instrumental in realizing these landmark projects for JK,” he said.
LG Sinha reiterated that connectivity is the foundation of progress and assured that the government will continue focusing on building world-class infrastructure for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.