Jammu and Kashmir leaders say that Kashmir’s rail link with the rest of the country will stimulate economic growth and tourism as a separate railway division at Jammu was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

They said that the valley getting a rail link with other parts of the country in the next few days will be a game changer in transforming the connectivity and economy of not only the valley but also the far-flung areas of the Jammu region through which the train will pass.

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Among those present at the Jammu railway station were Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and top brass of the railways and local administration.

Speaking on the occasion, L-G Manoj Sinha said that he was grateful to Prime Minister Modi for making Jammu Railway Division a reality. New division is very important from a strategic point of view.

It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits, he added.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said “Today, on this momentous occasion, as the long-awaited wish of Jammu and Kashmir is being fulfilled, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“We got good news that a trial train was being run from Srinagar to Katra. It is hoped that it will start functioning soon. It will help the people of J&K. It will help trade and tourism. We struggle a lot with air travel in winters where the people are forced to buy a ticket of Rs 5,000 for Rs 25,000.”

“It will also help the trade and industry. Cargo transfer will be facilitated. The main thing is that with the medium of rail, the coordination and control will not be from Firozpur, but from Jammu. It will also help in recruitment. Parts of Punjab, Himachal have also been connected.”

Union Minister Singh described it as a historical moment and said; “The first train had arrived at the Jammu Railway Station but for as long as 50 years after that, there was no further progress and we had to wait for over half a century Narendra Modi to take over as the Prime Minister and resume the rail extension work in J&K.”

“Establishment of this railway division is not merely a logistical milestone but a reaffirmation of our commitment to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with India’s economic growth trajectory.”

He recalled the challenges and delays that had plagued the region’s rail connectivity in the past but noted how recent years have witnessed unprecedented advancements.

Creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM comprising Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India. It will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

The Jammu railway division will benefit Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It will also help the people of Leh and Ladakh.