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.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, today announced the successful completion of a 4-lane, 2.35 km Banihal Bypass on NH-44. The new infrastructure is set to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Shri Gadkari wrote: “In Jammu & Kashmir, we have successfully completed a 4-lane, 2.35 km bypass in Banihal town at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore. Strategically located on the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44, the bypass features 4 viaducts spanning 1,513 meters and 3 culverts, effectively addressing the persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.”

Gradual Traffic Release
Initially, traffic will be released on 2 lanes of the bypass, with the full 4-lane capacity expected to be operational within the next 15 days after the completion of junction development near Banihal Railway Station.

Enhanced Connectivity and Security
The bypass is set to improve the traffic flow for tourists and defense vehicles traveling to the Kashmir valley. By significantly reducing congestion and travel time, it strengthens both regional connectivity and national security logistics. Moreover, the enhanced infrastructure will boost tourism prospects in the region, contributing to its economic development.

Project Overview and Delays
The Banihal Bypass project, initiated in January 2021, was originally scheduled for completion in December 2023 but faced a year-long delay due to unforeseen challenges. Stretching from Kharpora to Navayuga Tunnel, the bypass now diverts traffic away from Banihal town, easing congestion along the old alignment of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Official Statements
Project Director of National Highway, Ramban Sector, Shri P. K. Phonsa, highlighted the importance of the bypass: “This critical infrastructure ensures unhindered traffic flow, reducing bottlenecks and easing the daily commute for locals and tourists alike. The Ramban Bypass stretch has already been completed, and with the Banihal section now operational, the entire highway is significantly improved.”

Visionary Leadership
Shri Gadkari praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the project aligns with the government’s vision to foster economic growth and position Jammu & Kashmir as a premier tourist destination. The bypass not only represents a leap in infrastructure but also underscores the government’s commitment to progress and development.

Looking Ahead
With the new bypass now open for traffic, the region is poised for a transformative shift in connectivity and accessibility. Locals and travelers can look forward to smoother journeys and enhanced opportunities in the months to come.

This is 11TH BUILDING MATERIAL EXHIBITION with latest building materials from all over the country under one roof .
The event was visited by many prominent as well as general masses in very good numbers. People associated with construction thronged the venue enthusiastically.
Among various prominent personalities were Ch. Vikram Randhawa, MLA Bahu Constituency and Sh. Chander Prakash Ganga, MLA Vijaypur Constituency Jammu along with their staff graced the occasion. The day also witnessed very innovative and creative works done by students of Architecture and technical presentations by different companies.
valedictory function will be held on 6th Jan 2025 and Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma MP of Jammu constituency will be the chief guest for the event. The Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir has a functioning Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) J&K Chapter comprising a dedicated team having Ar. Vikas Dubey – Chairman, Ar. Vishal Abrol – Vice Chairman, Ar. Anil Verma Jt. Hon. Secretary, Ar. Harbinder Pal Singh – Jt. Hon. Secy, Ar. Sanjeev Mahajan Hon. Treasurer, with nine executive members and two co-opted members.