Jammu: Union Minister of for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, hailed the opening of new chapter in Indian Railways at the Jammu division, calling it a historic achievement that will bring transformative changes to Kashmir’s rural areas and boost overall development in the region.
Addressing a gathering in Jammu, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the long journey that led to this milestone. He highlighted that the Jammu railway station witnessed its first train arrival in 1972 — over 50 years ago — and pondered over the reasons for the delay in subsequent progress.
According to the news agency JKNS, he asked if the delay was because of administrative inefficiency, lack of political will, or resistance to integrating Kashmir with the rest of India via railway connectivity.
Dr. Singh credited the success of the project to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said: It seems that destiny waited for the leadership of PM Modi to materialize this dream. Under his guidance, the impossible has become possible.
He also remembers major events of Modi’s time, like one big public function at Katra Railway Station in 2014. Though there were technical difficulties and changing priorities of the government, this project has really accelerated under the current government.
Dr. Singh said the railway expansion will unlock new opportunities for Kashmir and termed the day historic for the region and Indian Railways. “This milestone marks the realization of a long-cherished dream that will pave the way for Kashmir’s future growth,” he said—(JKNS).
