New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, and Odisha, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and boosting socio-economic development across the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that these projects reflect the government’s four-pronged approach to railway development: modernization of infrastructure, enhanced passenger amenities, expansion of railway connectivity, and leveraging railways for job creation and industrial support. He emphasized that India is nearing 100 percent electrification of railway lines and has significantly expanded its metro rail network, which has surpassed 1000 kilometers since the beginning of 2025.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, a 742.1 km stretch encompassing Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal-Pathankot, Batala-Pathankot, and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections. This division aims to significantly improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, promoting tourism, generating employment opportunities, and fostering infrastructure development. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir is reaching new milestones in railway infrastructure, with the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail line being a topic of national discussion. Modi said the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, will connect the region to the rest of India and improve convenience for the people of Leh-Ladakh.
In Telangana, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in the Medchal-Malkajgiri District. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 413 crore, this eco-friendly terminal boasts modern amenities and will significantly alleviate congestion at existing coaching terminals in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda. 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,” he stated.
Further bolstering railway infrastructure in Odisha, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of the East Coast Railway. This project is expected to enhance connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby areas, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region. The Prime Minister highlighted Odisha’s abundant natural resources, extensive coastline, and potential for international trade. He stated that the state is seeing several railway projects worth over ₹70,000 crore and the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, boosting trade and industry.
The Prime Minister underlined the transformative initiatives underway in the railway sector, including the development of Made in India modern coaches and locomotives, station redevelopment, the implementation of solar panels, and the establishment of “One Station, One Product” stalls. He emphasized that these initiatives are generating substantial employment opportunities, citing the creation of millions of new government jobs in the railway sector over the past decade. The Prime Minister drew attention to the progress on the Dedicated Freight Corridor, emphasizing its role in decongesting existing tracks and facilitating high-speed train operations. He also highlighted the establishment of the country’s first Gati-Shakti University, recognizing the importance of skilled professionals in railway development.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence in India’s growth trajectory and reiterated the government’s dedication to nation-building. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Ministers, Governors, and Chief Ministers of the respective states.