Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple railway projects across India via video conferencing, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s connectivity infrastructure. The projects included the inauguration of the new Jammu Railway Division, the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, and the foundation stone laying for the Rayagada Railway Division building in Odisha.
Extending greetings on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Modi emphasized that the vision of a strong, prosperous India is inspired by the Guru’s teachings. Highlighting India’s rapid progress in connectivity, he noted the expansion of the metro rail network to over 1,000 kilometers and recent advancements such as the inauguration of the Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR.
Inauguration of Jammu Railway Division
The creation of the new Jammu Railway Division, spanning 742.1 kilometers, includes key sections such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot, and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. The division is expected to enhance connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir while fulfilling a long-standing demand of the region’s residents.
Modi highlighted milestone projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, as key contributors to the region’s connectivity. He also pointed out the importance of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, in promoting economic growth and engineering excellence.
Rayagada Railway Division Building in Odisha
Laying the foundation for the Rayagada Railway Division Building, Modi emphasized Odisha’s potential as a hub for trade, tourism, and industry. The state is undergoing massive railway development, with projects worth over ₹70,000 crore in progress and the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals. The new division aims to strengthen infrastructure in South Odisha, benefiting tribal families and creating economic opportunities.
Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana
The Charlapalli New Terminal Station, developed at a cost of ₹413 crore, is set to become a modern coaching terminal in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Equipped with environment-friendly features like solar-powered operations and modern amenities such as lifts and escalators, the station will ease congestion at other terminals in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda. Its strategic location near the Outer Ring Road is expected to accelerate regional development.
Transformation of Indian Railways
Modi outlined the ongoing transformation of Indian Railways, including the rapid progress of dedicated freight corridors, modernization of train coaches, redevelopment of stations, and the installation of solar panels. Initiatives like the “One Station, One Product” scheme have also boosted employment opportunities and local economies.
He highlighted the establishment of Gati Shakti University to develop skilled professionals for the expanding railway network and emphasized that millions of young people have secured permanent railway jobs over the past decade.
Infrastructure Growth Driving India Forward
The Prime Minister underlined India’s infrastructure expansion, with the number of airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today, and metro services growing from five to 21 cities. These developments are part of a broader mission to transform India into a developed nation.
“The projects inaugurated today reaffirm that India is moving forward together, step by step,” Modi said. “Connectivity initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Telangana are a testament to the mantra of inclusive growth and development.”
Union ministers, governors, and chief ministers from the respective states attended the event, underscoring the collaborative approach to achieving national infrastructure goals. Modi concluded by congratulating citizens on these milestones and expressing confidence in India’s continued progress.
