NewKerala.com

Railway Expansion in J&K: Minister Credits PM Modi's Leadership

Union Minister Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for enabling railway track expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, noting progress was stalled before 2014. The Vande Bharat Express, currently running between Srinagar and Katra, will extend to Jammu Tawi from April 30 with 20 coaches. A winterised Vande Bharat train with self-regulating heating cables and silicon heating pads has been introduced for sub-zero operations. This move aims to boost connectivity, capacity, and tourism in the region.

Key Points: Railway Expansion in Jammu & Kashmir | PM Modi Credits

  • Jitendra Singh credits PM Modi for J&K railway expansion
  • Railway work was stalled before 2014
  • Vande Bharat extended to Jammu Tawi from April 30 with 20 coaches
  • Winterised Vande Bharat with heating cables for sub-zero operations
2 min read

"Became possible to lay railway tracks in Jammu and Kashmir:" Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh says PM Modi made railway track laying possible in J&K, with Vande Bharat extension to Jammu Tawi from April 30.

"Thanks to Prime Minister Modi, today, because of him, it has become possible to lay a network of railway tracks in Jammu and Kashmir. - Jitendra Singh"

Jammu, April 26

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the expansion of Indian Railways in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it is due to the PM's leadership that it has become possible to lay a network of track across the Union Territory in today's times.

Addressing the media, Singh noted that railway expansion in the region had reached a standstill before 2014.

"Thanks to Prime Minister Modi, today, because of him, it has become possible to lay a network of railway tracks in Jammu and Kashmir. Before this government came to power in 2014, the work to bring Kashmir onto the railway tracks had almost come to a halt. The train, which reached Jammu in 1972 took 50 to 60 years to reach Katra," Singh stated.

Earlier on Friday, the Union Minister announced that the Vande Bharat Express service, which currently connects Srinagar and Katra, will extend its operations to Jammu Tawi starting April 30.

In a post on X, Singh mentioned that the train will operate with 20 coaches and will enhance the comfort of passengers travelling in the area to promote tourism in the Union Territory.

"Good news for #Jammu-#Srinagar Vande Bharat Express travellers! Another gift from the @narendramodi government for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The Vande Bharat Express, currently running between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will be extended up to Jammu Tawi from April 30. Additionally, the train will now operate with 20 coaches instead of 8, significantly enhancing capacity, connectivity, and comfort. This move is set to further promote tourism and accelerate regional development," said Singh.

Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has introduced a specially designed 'Vande Bharat' train for the Jammu-Srinagar rail section. This train not only retains its signature semi-high-speed capability but also incorporates for the first time 'winterisation' technology that enables it to operate smoothly even in sub-zero temperatures.

In view of the snowy weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir, several state-of-the-art heating systems have been integrated into this Vande Bharat Express.

For the first time in Indian Railways, 'self-regulating heating cables' have been utilised to prevent water pipelines from freezing. These cables are capable of automatically adjusting their heat output based on the external temperature.

1800W silicon heating pads have been installed in the water tanks. Additionally, special heating arrangements have been made in the bio-tanks and auxiliary tanks to ensure that the sanitation system remains unaffected.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Instead of just taking credit, the minister should talk about how many jobs this will create. Tourism boost is good, but local youth need employment too. Hope the 20-coach extension isn't just political rhetoric.
V
Vikram M
Self-regulating heating cables in trains? That's actually smart engineering! Indian Railways is finally adapting to local needs. As a Kashmiri Pandit, I'm glad to see infrastructure improving, makes travel safer during winters. 🇮🇳
A
Ananya R
Great news! But why does everything have to be about PM Modi? The railway workers and engineers who actually built this deserve credit too. Let's appreciate the real heroes on the ground. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Vande Bharat from Srinagar to Jammu will be a blessing for daily commuters! My cousin works in Jammu and travels every weekend. Hope the fares are affordable for common people. Not everyone can spend premium on travel.
K
Kavya N
This is excellent progress! As someone who traveled from Jammu to Katra last year, the existing trains were overcrowded. 20 coaches will definitely help. And the winterisation tech is a masterstroke for Kashmir's harsh winters.
S
Siddharth J
I remember how trains used to get cancelled in winter due

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50