Jammu Division: A Year of Connectivity and Transformation
The Northern Railway’s Jammu Division, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 6, 2025, has become a symbol of connectivity, resilience, and economic transformation in the Himalayan region. Serving as India’s 70th railway division, it has played a crucial role in integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country.
The year 2025 marked a significant period for the division, characterized by major infrastructure achievements, improved passenger services, growth in freight movement, and a sense of optimism among the region’s residents.
Enhancing Connectivity in the Himalayan Region
At the core of this transformation is the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated on June 6, 2025. This project provided the Kashmir Valley with seamless, all-weather rail connectivity to the rest of India for the first time, a feat previously considered one of the most challenging railway endeavors globally.
The construction of the Chenab and Anji rail bridges further showcased India’s technical prowess. The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, not only serves as a strategic asset but also stands as a symbol of modern Indian engineering.
Introduction of Vande Bharat Express Services
Another highlight of the year was the launch of Vande Bharat Express services to Kashmir. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat route has already transported over 3.75 lakh passengers, significantly reducing travel time and providing a more comfortable journey through the mountains.
Boosting Religious Tourism
The rail connectivity also bolstered spiritual tourism, particularly with the Katra–Amritsar route facilitating smoother journeys for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and the Golden Temple.
Empowering the Local Economy
The Jammu Division made significant progress in freight operations, directly benefiting local farmers and industries. In 2025 alone, over 20,000 tonnes of apples and 1.5 lakh tonnes of cement were transported by rail.
The commissioning of the Anantnag Goods Shed, with a handling capacity of 1.5 lakh tonnes of cement, further enhanced logistics in the Valley. This led to the successful transportation of automobile and food grain rakes to Kashmir by rail and facilitated the movement of cherries and mulberries from the Valley to Bandra in Mumbai, marking a breakthrough in cold-chain and perishable logistics.
Financial Growth and Operational Discipline
The division also saw an improvement in its financial performance, securing over ₹94 crore through new non-fare revenue contracts. Ticket-checking drives recovered ₹3.72 crore from more than 63,000 cases, reinforcing operational discipline.
Commitment to Service Excellence
The workforce of the Jammu Division remains dedicated to providing round-the-clock service. Operating in one of the country’s most challenging terrains, railway staff ensure safety, punctuality, and reliability at all times.
Looking Towards the Future
As the Jammu Division enters its second year, it promises deeper integration, accelerated growth, and a railway network that continues to transform lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Each track laid represents a step towards progress and prosperity for the region.
