Underscoring the crucial need of transforming the Railway infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir, Senior BJP leader and MLA Nagrota Mr Devender Singh Rana today urged the Union Minister for Railways Mr Ashwani Vaishnav and Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha to establish a full-fledged Railway Division in Jammu, keeping in view the city’s immense strategic, cultural, and economic significance.
Interacting with deputations here this morning, Mr Devender Rana said that the issue will be taken up proactively for an earnest consideration, to dispense with dependence on the Ferozpur Division. He said such a step will not only revive the pristine glory of Jammu that had been a major railway junction pre-partition but also give impetus to growth and job generation in a big way.
Mr Rana said the time has come to assuage the urges and aspirations of Jammu, a most prominent pilgrim city of North India and gateway to adventours Ladakh and picturesque Kashmir Valley. In such a backdrop, establishment of a Railway Division will give impetus to rail infrastructure as new destinations like the Valley and Pir Panchal region are on the anvil, as a result of Naya Jammu Kashmir vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Devender Rana said the establishment of Railway Division will bring considerable benefits in terms of regional development and public convenience, as Jammu serves as a main hub for over ten million pilgrims, thronging from various parts of the country and even abroad 24x7x365.
Such a facility will help create necessary facilities for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine bound pilgrims and millions of adventure and nature lovers embarking on trip to the Valley and Ladakh. Enhanced railway services through a dedicated division would streamline travel for these visitors and support the local economy, he said, adding that this will generate jobs in the process.Mr Devender Rana said a full-fledged Railway Division will ease logistical challenges apart from support to defence mobility, keeping in view the strategic importance of this part of the country.
The Railway Division could stimulate economic growth by improving accessibility, creating jobs, and fostering local businesses that depend on rail transport for goods and services”, Mr Rana said, adding that by making Jammu a focal point for railway operations, the vision of boosting tourism to surrounding regions can be well realized. He hoped that the Ministry of Railways will take a considerate view of the proposal that will be a path-breaking step towards regional development and national integration.