early times report
Jammu, Jan 4: India's 70th railway division, officially established and inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 6, 2025, marked a year of significant development in 2025. The establishment of the new Jammu Division of Northern Railway connected the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country and instilled a sense of change and hope among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In 2025, the Jammu Division achieved several significant milestones and witnessed remarkable expansion in connectivity, including the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, the dedication of the iconic Chenab and Anji bridges to the nation, the operation of Vande Bharat trains, promotion of religious tourism, increased freight movement of goods like apples and cement, and acceleration of economic development, ushering in a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. This is proving to be a historic step in connecting Jammu and Kashmir and transforming the lives of the people of the region.
Key Achievements:
✨ Historic Milestones
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): This crucial rail link was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country throughout the year.
Chenab and Anji Rail Bridges: The iconic Chenab and Anji rail bridges, engineering marvels, were dedicated to the nation, showcasing the technical excellence of this project.
🚄 Vande Bharat Trains to the Valley
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi-Srinagar Vande Bharat: This service has facilitated over 3.75 lakh passengers since its launch, making travel easier and faster.
🙏 Promotion of Religious Tourism
Katra-Amritsar Route: This rail line between Katra and Amritsar strengthens spiritual connectivity, facilitating the journey of devotees. 📦 Boosting the Economy
Increased Freight Movement: Over 20,000 tons of apples and 1.5 lakh tons of cement were transported, benefiting farmers and industries.
Anantnag Goods Shed: The Anantnag Goods Shed is capable of handling 1.5 lakh tons of cement, improving logistics.
New Products: For the first time, automobile and food grain rakes arrived in the valley, and cherries (mulberries) were transported from Kashmir to Bandra, a major achievement in logistics.
💰 Revenue and Vigilance
Revenue Collection: ₹94+ crore secured through new non-fare revenue contracts.
Ticket Checking: ₹3.72 crore recovered from over 63,000 cases through ticket checking drives.
🛡️ Always on Duty
Dedicated Staff: Dedicated railway employees are available 24x7, ensuring record travel and regional development. |
