Northern Railway’s Jammu Division completes first year
As Northern Railway’s Jammu Division approaches the first anniversary of its inauguration, the year 2025 stands out as a period of remarkable progress and historic breakthroughs.
Established as India’s 70th railway division and virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 6, 2025, the division has played a crucial role in seamlessly integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network, fostering renewed hope, connectivity, and economic growth across Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2025, the Jammu Division delivered groundbreaking advancements in infrastructure, passenger services, and freight operations.
Reflecting on the division’s inaugural year, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal Sunday said, “2025 presented numerous challenges for the newly formed Jammu Division, yet Indian Railways spared no effort in prioritizing passenger convenience, safety, and seamless travel. These accomplishments are propelling us toward excellence, ushering in enhanced connectivity and prosperity for the people of Kashmir. In 2026, we will script the next chapter with ambitious new projects and continued innovation.”
According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal, the key highlights included the full commissioning of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the dedication of the iconic Chenab and Anji bridges, the rollout of Vande Bharat Express services, enhanced religious tourism, and a surge in goods transportation — all contributing to accelerated regional development and prosperity.
Referring to the launch of the Vande Bharat Express, the senior Railway officer said the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has transported over 3.75 lakh passengers since its launch, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing comfort for commuters and pilgrims.
He said the new and improved rail routes, including enhanced connectivity via Katra, have strengthened spiritual linkages, making pilgrimages to shrines like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and those in the Valley more accessible and convenient for devotees.
Connecting the Kashmir Valley with the nationwide railway network has boosted economic activity in the region. “More than 20,000 tonnes of apples and 1.5 lakh tonnes of cement were moved by rail, directly supporting farmers, industries, and local economies, “he added.
He said that during the inaugural year, over Rs 94 crore was generated through new non-fare revenue contracts.
During the Intensive ticket-checking drives, the division recovered Rs 3.72 crore from more than 63,000 cases, reinforcing fair usage and funding further improvements.
