PM Modi inaugurates Jammu railway division
Says JK achieving new milestones in railway infrastructure
New Delhi: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Monday virtually inaugurated a slew of railway projects, including the Jammu railway division, the Charlapalli terminal station in Telangana, besides laying foundation for the Rayagada railway division building in Odisha under the East Coast Railway zone.
Lauding the country’s fast-paced progress in connectivity, the prime minister said since the beginning of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1,000 kilometres.
Highlighting the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line, he said that Jammu and Kashmir is achieving new milestones in railway infrastructure.
According to the prime minister, the completion of the Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge in J-K, will play a key role in connecting the region with the rest of India, providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh.
“The Chenab bridge and the AnjiKhad bridge are unparalleled examples of engineering leading to economic progress in the region and promoting prosperity,” he said.
Calling it a historic milestone in the development of Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity and infrastructure, the PM congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Integration of J&K into the national railway network is a monumental step towards transforming Indian Railways into a global leader in efficiency, speed, and passenger experience.”
Highlighting the feats of modern engineering, he said, “India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the AnjiKhad Bridge, and the iconic arch bridge over the Chenab River—the world’s highest railway bridge—are marvels that are making waves globally.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the new Jammu Railway Division would not only benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also extend its advantages to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Ladakh.
PM Modi described the inauguration as a symbol of India’s collective progress under the vision of “SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas,” filling colors in the dream of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ (Developed India).
“To achieve Vikshit Bharat, it is essential to develop Indian Railways,” he said, adding that the past decade has witnessed a transformational change in railway infrastructure modernization, enhanced connectivity, and improved facilities for passengers.
He stated that the government has laid more than 30,000 kilometers of new railway tracks in the last 10 years, nearing 100% electrification, compared to just 35% in 2014. Additionally, he noted that the country has eliminated all manual crossings on broad-gauge tracks.
“Today is a big day for new-age connectivity. It shows that the entire nation is moving forward together,” PM Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister stressed that new railway divisions, terminals, and modernized stations are creating unprecedented opportunities for trade, business, and employment.
“The development of railways is creating lakhs of job opportunities. In the last 10 years, lakhs of youth have been employed in the railways, and initiatives like Gati Shakti University will further enhance the workforce’s skillset,” he said.
Referring to the strides in high-speed train services, PM Modi noted that more than 50 Vande Bharat trains are now operational, connecting long distances in shorter times and setting a benchmark for modern Indian trains.
“The time is not far when bullet trains will traverse across the country, making railway journeys memorable,” he added.
The Prime Minister also lauded India’s expanding metro network, which has grown from just 5 cities in 2005 to 21 cities today, with over 1,000 kilometers of operational tracks.
Stressing the importance of indigenous development, PM Modi said, “Under the ‘Made in India’ initiative, railway stations are being modernized, and high-speed train corridors are being developed. This will ensure India leads from the front in connectivity and infrastructure.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Indian Railways the backbone of a developed and self-reliant India, saying, “This is not just about connectivity but also about fulfilling aspirations and creating a better future for millions.”
He also mentioned the recent inauguration of the Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects.
“The prime minister underscored that the work on modern rail networks like the dedicated freight corridor is progressing rapidly in the country. He said these special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks and create more opportunities for high-speed trains,” a press note released after the event said.
It added, “The prime minister emphasised that the railways is undergoing a transformation with the promotion of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He said modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways. Stations are also being redeveloped, solar panels are being installed at stations, and ‘One Station, One Product’ stalls are being set up at the railway stations.”
According to Modi, all these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector.
“Over the last decade, millions of young people have secured permanent government jobs in the railways. The demand for raw materials in factories producing new train coaches leads to more job opportunities in other sectors as well,” the prime minister said.
Keeping in mind the special skills related to the railways, the country’s first Gati-Shakti University has also been established, he added.
Laying foundation for the divisional railway manager (DRM) building for the Rayagada division in Odisha, Modi highlighted the state’s abundant natural resources and a large coastline, which, according to him, hold significant potentials for international trade.
Several railway projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which will boost trade and industry, he said.
Inaugurating the Charlapalli terminal station in Telangana, the prime minister said, “This station, connected to the Outer Ring Road, will significantly boost development in the region.”
Highlighting the station’s modern amenities, including platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations, Modi said, “This is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure.”
He also said the new terminal will ease the pressure on the existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people.
“The prime minister emphasised that such projects not only enhance ease of living, but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with India’s broader infrastructure goals,” the press note said.
“Prime Minister Modi noted that India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. He said the number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today, while metro services have expanded from five to 21 cities across the country,” it added.
Railway Minister AshwiniVaishnaw, the governors and chief ministers of the three states, among other dignitaries, attended the event held in hybrid mode. (with inputs from PTI)
