JAMMU: The establishment of Jammu’s own Railway Division has finally become a reality, fulfilling a decades-long demand that promises to transform the region’s connectivity and economic landscape. Championed tirelessly by S. Varinderjeet Singh, Senior Vice President BJP Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman National Sikh Front, this milestone underscores years of advocacy and vision.
The 70th division of Indian Railways, carved from the Firozpur Division, will oversee the crucial 742-kilometer Pathankot–Jammu–Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail corridor. Positioned as a critical transportation hub, the Jammu Railway Division is set to enhance freight movement, improve passenger services, and serve as a cornerstone for regional development. Calling the announcement a “game-changing moment,” S. Varinderjeet Singh emphasized that it is “not just a victory for Jammu but a leap forward for its prosperity and integration.”
During his tenure on the Railway Advisory Board, Singh relentlessly advocated for the division while also pressing for direct train routes to Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and Sri Hazoor Sahib in Maharashtra to meet the aspirations of the Sikh community. His leadership within the National Sikh Front ensured that these demands gained momentum over the years, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Jammu's progress.
The division's benefits extend beyond logistics. By simplifying trade routes and enhancing access to key markets, it is set to boost industries, agriculture, and commerce across the region. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, will see new heights as sites like Mata Vaishno Devi become more accessible. Singh underscored that the project’s ripple effect will uplift not only Jammu but also Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, integrating them more deeply into India’s development framework.
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for modernized railways and regional empowerment, this move is a cornerstone of national growth. Varinderjeet expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who stood behind the cause, reiterating optimism for the realization of other demands such as dedicated trains to major religious destinations.
“This division is not just about connectivity—it’s about opportunity, unity, and a brighter future,” Singh said, calling the project a long-awaited stepping stone toward a self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir. With this historic development, Jammu has firmly cemented its place on India’s map of progress and innovation.
