In a move that will give a boost to the logistics industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects including the new Jammu Railway Division.
Modi also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana via video conferencing.
“Bharat has set on a fast-paced progress in connectivity. Since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1000 km. This event is a further testimony to the fact that the entire nation is moving forward together, step by step, as projects launched in Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha and Telangana mark a major leap in modern connectivity for these the north, east and south regions of the country,” the minister said.
He reiterated that the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is helping turn the vision of a developed India into reality. He congratulated the people of these states and all citizens of India on these developments.
The Prime Minister underscored that the work on modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor is progressing rapidly in the country. “These special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks and will also create more opportunities for high-speed trains,” Modi said.
He further said that the Indian railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. “Modern coaches are being developed for metros and railways. Stations are also being redeveloped, solar panels are being installed at stations and ‘One Station, One Product’ stalls are being set up at railway stations. All these initiatives are generating millions of new employment opportunities in the railway sector,” the minister said.
Modi further stated that over the last decade, millions of young people have secured permanent government jobs in the railways. The demand for raw materials in factories producing new train coaches leads to more job opportunities in other sectors as well.
The Prime Minister remarked that keeping in mind the special skills related to the railways, the country’s first Gati-Shakti University has also been established. As the railway network expands, new divisions and headquarters are being set up, benefiting regions like Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Leh-Ladakh.
Transforming Jammu & Kashmir
The creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM comprising Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India.
It is expected to create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.
“Jammu and Kashmir is achieving new milestones in railway infrastructure, with the Udhampur – Srinagar -Baramulla rail line, which is being discussed all over the country today. The completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, will play a key role in connecting the region with the rest of India providing convenience to the people of Leh-Ladakh,” Modi said adding, “The Anji Khad Bridge, which is the country’s first cable-based railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge are unparalleled examples of engineering leading to economic progress in the region and promoting prosperity,” Modi said.
Improving connectivity in Odisha
The inaugurated Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri District of Telangana has been developed as a new coaching terminal along with provision of second entry with a cost of around Rs 413 crore. This terminal is expected to ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda.
Speaking about the development in Odisha, the Prime Minister said that the state has been blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline and holds significant potential for international trade.
He said that several railway projects worth over Rs 70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry.
“The foundation stone has been laid for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha, which will strengthen the state’s railway infrastructure promoting tourism, business, and employment in Odisha especially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher,” Modi said.
Accelerated growth in Telangana
Inaugurating the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, the Prime Minister highlighted its potential to accelerate regional development by connecting to the Outer Ring Road.
“This station, connected to the Outer Ring Road, will significantly boost development in the region. The stations modern amenities including its platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations, is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure. The new terminal will ease the pressure on existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister said that such projects not only enhance the ease of living but also promote the ease of doing business, aligning with India’s broader infrastructure goals.
“India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. The number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today and metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country. These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country,” Modi added.
