The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu Bench has achieved a remarkable milestone by disposing of 15,537 cases since its establishment on June 8, 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement was disclosed by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other key portfolios, during a briefing with CAT Chairman Justice Ranjit More.

Focus on Efficiency and Infrastructure:
The meeting reviewed the Tribunal’s infrastructural setup, staffing, and its progress in addressing long-pending grievances. The Jammu Bench, initially set up with one Division Bench, expanded to two Division Benches on January 10, 2023, considering the volume of cases transferred from the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, both Division Benches are operating with full strength, comprising two Judicial Members and two Administrative Members.

Case Disposal Highlights:

• Total cases transferred from the High Court of J&K: 11,792
  • Disposed cases: 9,275
• Fresh cases instituted in CAT, Jammu Bench: 8,745
  • Disposed cases: 6,262
• Total cases disposed of: 15,537

This includes cases pending for years, ensuring quicker resolutions for employees of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Circuit Sitting in Leh:
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the commencement of a circuit sitting of the Jammu Bench at Leh on June 19, 2024, aimed at addressing grievances of employees from the Union Territory of Ladakh. This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to bringing justice closer to the people.

Enhanced Infrastructure:
Efforts to bolster the Tribunal’s infrastructure have been fruitful. A new, state-of-the-art building equipped with modern amenities is expected to be operational by the end of this month. Additionally, steps are underway to enhance human resource capacity for improved efficiency.

Government’s Support:
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited the Prime Minister’s leadership and the Union Government’s consistent support for the Tribunal’s success. “The CAT Jammu Bench has maintained a commendable disposal rate despite numerous constraints. This early settlement of grievances allows employees to focus on developmental activities within the Union Territory,” he said.

Bringing Justice Closer to the People:
The establishment and efficient functioning of the CAT Jammu Bench symbolize the Government’s resolve to strengthen administrative justice in the region. With a total of 15,537 cases disposed of, the Tribunal’s efforts mark a significant step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of government employees in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today dispelled concerns regarding the direct rail service between Kashmir and the rest of the country, affirming that the project will significantly benefit the Jammu region. Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah assured residents that his government will ensure robust economic growth stemming from the long-anticipated project.

Prime Minister’s Commitment to Connectivity
Addressing the function virtually from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi hailed the Jammu Railway Division as a historic milestone in integrating Jammu and Kashmir into India’s national railway network. “This inauguration is a testament to our commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ bringing unparalleled connectivity and opportunities to the region,” Modi said.

Abdullah lauded Modi’s efforts in infrastructure development, emphasizing the role of connectivity in fostering growth. He highlighted complementary projects like the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.

Addressing Local Concerns
Abdullah acknowledged apprehensions among Jammu residents, drawing comparisons to Pathankot’s economic challenges when rail service extended to Jammu. He reassured, “The rail service to Kashmir will not harm Jammu. On the contrary, it will enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity, benefiting both areas immensely.”

Abdullah highlighted the steep costs of air travel during winters, stating, “Airfares often surge to Rs 25,000 for a Rs 5,000 ticket. The new rail service will not only benefit passengers but also boost trade and industries with cargo train facilities.”

Jammu Railway Division: A Long-Pending Dream Fulfilled
Abdullah expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Jammu Railway Division, which now oversees 742.1 kilometers of railway tracks, including sections extending to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. “This division ensures administrative control remains in Jammu, enabling better coordination and recruitment opportunities,” he said.

The Jammu Railway Division will manage critical projects such as the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge—and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge, both engineering marvels located in Reasi district. These projects symbolize progress and will facilitate economic prosperity across the region.

Expanding Rail Service Across Jammu and Kashmir
Reflecting on the railway’s expansion over the decades, Abdullah outlined its trajectory: from Pathankot to Jammu, then Udhampur, Katra, and now towards Srinagar and Baramulla. “In my previous tenure as Chief Minister, I inaugurated the Katra railway station. Today, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we celebrate another milestone,” he said.

He also emphasized future plans for extending the railway to Poonch-Rajouri in Jammu and beyond Baramulla in Kashmir. “This expansion will further unify the region, promoting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” Abdullah stated.

A Bright Future for Jammu’s Railways
Congratulating the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah affirmed, “The Jammu Railway Division is not just a development milestone but a promise of progress for generations to come.” The Chief Minister extended gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their dedication to the region’s development.

As Jammu embraces its role as a key hub in India’s railway network, Abdullah’s assurances offer hope for a connected and prosperous future. With enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, the region is poised for a new era of growth and development.

In a landmark event ahead of the launch of train services to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Jammu Railway Division from New Delhi. Calling it a historic milestone, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (USBRL) rail line, which will significantly enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and link the region seamlessly with the rest of India.

“Integration and Progress”

Speaking via video conferencing, Modi lauded the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division as a monumental step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir into the national railway network. “Completion of the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway arch bridge—and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed bridge, marks an unparalleled feat of engineering. These structures will be pivotal in fostering economic growth and regional prosperity,” he said.

The Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, located in Reasi district, are critical components of the Katra-Baramulla railway track. Modi noted that these projects epitomize India’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” underscoring the Government’s dedication to holistic development.

Event Highlights

The virtual inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (virtually present)
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
• Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
• Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
• Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma
• Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma
• MLA Vikram Randhawa
• Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo

Senior officials from the Railway, civil, and police administration also graced the occasion.

Enhanced Connectivity

The newly inaugurated Jammu Railway Division covers 742.1 km of tracks, including the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section, Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot, Batala-Pathankot, and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar sections. This development is set to:

• Improve connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India
• Boost employment opportunities
• Drive tourism and socio-economic growth

An official statement remarked that the division fulfills long-pending aspirations and marks a major leap forward for regional infrastructure.

Transformative Railway Milestones

Modi reflected on the historic transformation of Indian Railways over the last decade:

• Electrification Milestone: Nearly 100% electrification achieved, compared to 35% in 2014
• Railway Tracks Added: 30,000 km of new tracks laid
• Employment Boost: Lakhs of jobs created within the railway sector
• Vande Bharat Trains: Over 50 operational trains reducing travel time across major routes
• Metro Expansion: Metro services now operational in 21 cities, with further plans underway

“The Railways are no longer just a means of transport but a catalyst for growth,” Modi asserted, emphasizing its role in driving trade, industry, and employment opportunities.

Looking Ahead: High-Speed Rail and Beyond

Modi promised that bullet trains are not a distant dream for India, as the country accelerates its pace in “new-age connectivity.” The modernisation of the railways aligns with India’s aspirations of becoming a global leader in infrastructure and mobility.

The Prime Minister’s vision emphasizes not just connectivity but also the socio-economic development of every region. “From the Chenab bridge to the Vande Bharat trains, we are laying the foundation for a truly developed Bharat,” he said.

Key Facts: USBRL Project

• Chenab Bridge: World’s highest railway arch bridge
• Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed bridge
• Region Covered: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line
• Key Benefits: Improved connectivity, economic progress, employment opportunities, and enhanced tourism potential

What Lies Ahead

The newly inaugurated Jammu Railway Division and the USBRL project will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for progress in Jammu and Kashmir. The region, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” is poised to experience unprecedented growth in tourism, trade, and infrastructure, bringing it closer to the heart of India.