J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that Jammu will benefit immensely from the newly created Jammu rail division.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the new rail division here, he said Jammu would not suffer economic losses due to the direct rail link to Kashmir. Instead, the new division is expected to create jobs, enhance trade, and boost tourism.
“This is a historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir. The people of Jammu have long demanded their railway division, and today, that dream has been fulfilled,” Omar said.
He assured people that this new connectivity would strengthen Jammu’s economy rather than hampering the existing one.
He said, “We anticipate significant benefits, including a surge in trade and tourism, and we will ensure that Jammu reaps the rewards of this development.”
Several queries were raised by the people who were associated with transport that the creation of the direct link to Srinagar will hamper their economic prospects as Jammu used to be an important transit for the people travelling to and from Srinagar via the national highway.
Responding to the queries, Omar said the rail link would create more options for employment, providing jobs to the youth and also support the local economy.
“With control and coordination now based in Jammu, local recruitment will be prioritised. This will bring employment opportunities to the region, benefiting our youth and boosting the local economy,” he said.
This inauguration also marked the connection of the Srinagar-Katra rail line, which is set to revolutionise travel in the region.
Omar said that this connectivity would resolve long-standing challenges, such as disruptions in winter flights and exorbitant airfare.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, and other dignitaries joined the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the division.
Follow us
