Railways Ministry has made categorical commitment to creating new Railway Division at Jammu and delinking it from the present Ferozepore Division of Northern Railways. This commitment, initially made by the Railways Minister and the Chairman of Railways Board on the occasion of inauguration of the Udhampur -Katra rail link at the hands of the Prime Minister at Katra, has been reiterated by the Railways Minister on the floor of the Parliament. The rationale for creating Jammu Division is obvious.
Rail link has already been established between Banihal and Baramulla in the Valley. Only the Katra-Banihal link remains to be completed by 2017 and with that direct link from Jammu to Baramulla will be established. At the same time, survey of rail link from Jammu to Poonch and from Baramulla to Kupwara has already been completed. There is loud thinking in concerned circles that once the two tunnels at Zoji La on National Highway from Srinagar to Leh are completed there could be a possibility of taking railway to Leh. In this background, the administrative region of the Jammu Division of Northern Railways assumes great significance. As such, there should not be any delay in beginning the project of Jammu Division. So far there are no signs of beginning of this project. People of Jammu region were very happy with the decision of the Railways of incepting Jammu Division but on finding that no movement is visible on the ground, they are feeling disappointed. We would remind the Railways Ministry that the commitment it has made to the people of Jammu region, in fact with all the people of the State should not be delayed. People are eager to see the dawning of the day when this dream will be realized. After all it will open employment opportunities for thousands of workers and will bring about drastic change in the economy of the State. The desolate and obnoxious condition of Jammu Railway Station is a slur on Northern Railways and we are told that the authorities are not focusing on its reconstruction and modernization but essentially demanding beginning the construction of Jammu Railway Division Headquarter. Work on providing solar energy run system at Katra railway station is also eagerly awaited by the people.
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