JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri has strongly criticized those who have remained blind to the monumental development projects which are undergoing in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reacting to the successful trial run of the train between Jammu and Srinagar, Suri said, it is now Ladakhâs turn to be connected to the rest of the country through rail services. He pointed out that the Modi government has already allocated funds and initiated surveys for this ambitious project, further proving its commitment to infrastructural development in the region.
He expressed confidence that the BJP-led central government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that both Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh receive world-class railway connectivity. Taking a dig at the critics, Suri remarked that those who fail to acknowledge these transformative developments are either politically motivated or deliberately ignorant of the rapid progress taking place in the region under PM Modiâs leadership.
Suri emphasized that after ensuring Kashmirâs railway connectivity, the central government has now taken up the challenge of bringing rail services to Ladakh. He noted that despite extreme weather conditions, rugged terrains, and logistical challenges, the survey for the Srinagar-Ladakh and Baramulla-Kupwara railway lines is being conducted at a fast pace. The newly allocated âč844 crores in the Union Budget 2025-26 for railway sector in J&K and the overall allocation of Rs 2,52,000 crore to Indian Railways will play a crucial role in completing these projects, ensuring that Ladakh benefits from improved connectivity just like the rest of the country.
The BJP leader further highlighted the strategic importance of the Srinagar-Ladakh railway line by saying that this railway track will not only facilitate civilian travel but will also serve as a crucial asset to the military, considering Ladakhâs sensitive border areas. He pointed out that road connectivity to Ladakh often gets disrupted due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, making railway connectivity an essential alternative. The Modi government, he asserted, is committed to make the region more accessible and economically vibrant.
Speaking about the railway expansion in Jammu, Raman Suri welcomed the formation of a new Railway Division in Jammu, which will oversee the development and enhancement of railway services in the region. He hoped that the appointment of Vivek Kumar as the first Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Jammu Division will further accelerate the progress. Under his leadership, Jammu Tawi Railway Station will be upgraded with modern facilities, including a pollution-free greenfield area and a new foot-over bridge. This, Suri said, will significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers.
Raman Suri also dispelledthe rumours and asserted that the Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir will originate from Jammu, reinforcing the cityâs position as a major railway hub. While the Jammu Tawi railway station will undergo development, the Vande Bharat Express will initially operate between Katra and Srinagar, with direct services between Jammu and Srinagar starting soon. The Railway Minister, he added, has assured that the timetable for Jammu-Srinagar train will be released shortly, marking another milestone in the governmentâs commitment to improve railway infrastructure in J&K.
