J&K To Ride The Rails Of Change
On Januray 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jammu Division of Indian Railways through a virtual platform, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transportation history.
This inauguration, as part of a series of railway projects, not only fulfills a long-standing demand from the region but also sets the stage for the first direct train service to Kashmir in nearly six decades, anticipated to launch shortly thereafter.
Significance of Jammu Rail Division
The Jammu Division, the 70th division of Indian Railways and the sixth under Northern Railways, is set to serve not only Jammu and Kashmir but also areas in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Leh-Ladakh, amplifying regional connectivity. The new division encompasses a rail network of 742 kilometers, with prominent sections including the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-
The new rail links have the potential to significantly boost tourism, trade and overall development in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a vital link to the rest of the country
Prime Minister Modi hailed the inauguration as a “monumental step” that promises to reshape the region’s economic landscape, particularly when seen in conjunction with the ongoing trial runs of the Katra-Reasi railway section and the anticipated introduction of the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar in coming months. The new rail links have the potential to significantly boost tourism, trade and overall development in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a vital link to the rest of the country.
Historical Context of Jammu and Kashmir’s Railway Journey
The roots of railway development in Jammu and Kashmir can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first railway line in the Jammu region was an extension of the North Western Railway (NWR), connecting Suchetgarh in the Sialkot district to Jammu city. The project, which began in October 1888, was completed and opened for traffic on March 13, 1890.
This initial 17-mile stretch marked the first phase of Jammu’s integration into India’s broader railway network. However, the partition in 1947 disrupted this linkage and the railway system in Jammu and Kashmir suffered.
In 1902, Maharaja Pratap Singh commissioned a survey to explore the possibility of linking Jammu and Srinagar via several routes, including the proposed narrow gauge line through Banihal. However, financial constraints and the lack of formal approval from the Government of India hindered progress. Even the discovery of significant coal reserves in the Ladda area failed to push the project forward, leaving the region isolated for much longer.
Strides Ahead
Post-1947, the Jammu region began to reconnect with India’s rail network. In 1952, the extension of the Jalandhar-Mukerian branch line to Pathankot and later from Pathankot to Kathua in 1966, marked initial steps towards re-establishing Jammu’s railway connectivity.
However, it was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that serious efforts were made to extend the railway line further into Jammu, with the Kathua-Jammu section opening in 1972, paving the way for passenger services.
A watershed moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway history occurred in 1972 when the first passenger train, the Srinagar Express (now Jhelum Express), connected Jammu to Delhi. This development occurred amid the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, making it a remarkable achievement. Over the years, this network expanded with several more train services, including the Bombay-Jammu Tawi Superfast in 1976, cementing Jammu’s position on India’s railway map.
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Declared National Priority
Efforts to modernize and extend the railway network continued throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The 326-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project was declared a national priority, involving intricate engineering feats through the treacherous Himalayan terrain.
With multiple tunnels and high-altitude bridges, including the Chenab Bridge, one of the tallest railway bridges in the world, the USBRL stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of Indian Railways.
Katra-Srinagar Rail Link – A Milestone
The Udhampur-Katra section of the rail line which opened in 2005 formed a crucial part of this ambitious project. Subsequent extensions from Katra to Banihal were pursued with the goal of completing a direct rail link between Jammu and Srinagar. The Katra-Srinagar segment promises to transform the region, particularly by improving connectivity for the millions of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi annually. With the inauguration of the Jammu Division, the railway network is poised to expand even further.
Change Of Train A Concern
Despite the significant advancements in railway infrastructure, the excitement surrounding the impending Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has been tempered by concerns over the travel arrangements for passengers. Originally expected to provide direct connectivity between Srinagar and Delhi, the new service will instead require passengers to change trains at the Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station in Reasi. This indirect service is the result of heightened security concerns, which necessitate a fresh security check at Katra before passengers continue their journey.
While the safety of passengers is undeniably crucial, the requirement for a change of trains has dampened the expectations of many. Key stakeholders in Kashmir, including local leaders and business representatives, have voiced dissatisfaction with the arrangement. Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi in Sopore, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the change of trains not only undermines the convenience of the service but also negates its potential benefits to the region’s horticultural industry.
The path forward will require careful balancing of security concerns, logistical efficiency and local needs
Political leaders from Kashmir have also criticized the decision, arguing that while security measures are necessary, the added inconvenience of train changes defeats the very purpose of a direct railway service. Critics suggest that alternative security protocols, such as conducting checks at departure or arrival stations could be explored to maintain both safety and convenience.
In a statement posted on X, one political leader lamented that the shift to an indirect service made the immense investments in railway infrastructure seem futile. The sentiment reflects the frustration among local residents and businesses that had hoped for more seamless connectivity to the rest of the country.
Future of Rail Connectivity in J&K
As the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express prepares to launch, there remains a palpable sense of optimism about the broader potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s railway network. The expansion of the railway line into Kashmir, the construction of the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab and the eventual integration of the region into the broader Indian railway system hold promise for boosting regional development and connectivity.
However, as the region continues to modernize, it is clear that the path forward will require careful balancing of security concerns, logistical efficiency and local needs. While the launch of the Jammu Division is undoubtedly a landmark achievement, the criticism surrounding the indirect Katra-Srinagar service signals the need for more thoughtful and inclusive planning in the years ahead.
As railway infrastructure continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers listen to the voices of the people who stand to benefit most from these developments—ensuring that the goals of safety, convenience and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.
Roads To Prosperity
Sonamarg Tunnel Opens
In a monumental step towards enhancing connectivity, the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the region’s development.
This infrastructural marvel is poised to revolutionize travel, tourism and defense logistics in one of the most strategically critical areas of the country.
The Sonamarg Tunnel: A Long-Awaited Breakthrough
The Sonamarg Tunnel, spanning a length of 6.5 km has been constructed at a significant cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. Located at an altitude of over 8,650 feet above sea level, this tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing the perilous avalanche-prone routes of the existing road. It is expected to drastically reduce travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches, which had historically isolated the region for months during winter.
The tunnel is not merely a structural achievement; it is a lifeline for both the civilian population and the military. With seamless connectivity to Kargil and Leh, it plays a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted access to the strategically important Ladakh region.
Furthermore, this tunnel is expected to enhance the accessibility of vital services such as healthcare and supply chains, mitigating the logistical challenges the region had previously faced.
The tunnel is not merely a structural achievement; it is a lifeline for both the civilian population and the military
The groundwork for the Sonamarg Tunnel project began in 2015, under the leadership of the current government, following a decade-long delay caused by the complexity of the project and the challenging terrain.
Prime Minister Modi, while inaugurating the tunnel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the laborers, whose tireless efforts in extreme conditions ensured the successful completion of this engineering marvel.
Tragically, seven workers lost their lives during the construction After a violent attack by militant, a somber reminder of the human cost associated with such ambitious projects in Kashmir.
Higher Tourism, Better Access to Healthcare
The significance of this project extends beyond its infrastructural value. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sonamarg Tunnel will facilitate better access to healthcare, improve tourism and enable smoother logistics across the region.
In addition, it will ensure year-round connectivity for the residents and tourists visiting the picturesque town of Sonamarg, which had previously been accessible only during the summer months. The tunnel’s completion is a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and its inauguration signals a new era of development for the region.
Strategic Connectivity, Boost To Winter Tourism
Sonamarg tunnel plays a key role in ensuring year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh. With the region often subjected to heavy snowfall, landslides and avalanches, the Sonamarg Tunnel (formely Z-Mohr Tunnel) represents a breakthrough in overcoming these natural obstacles.
The strategic importance of the this tunnel cannot be overstated. Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet, the tunnel will provide an essential all-weather route for both civilian and military traffic. The proximity of the tunnel to Ladakh makes it a critical asset in maintaining defense logistics and ensuring operational mobility in the region, particularly given the heightened security concerns in the area.
Integration with Under-Construction Zojila Tunnel
What makes the Z-Morh Tunnel even more impressive is its integration with the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2028. Together, these tunnels will reduce the route length from 49 km to 43 km and significantly increase travel speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, thereby ensuring a seamless and safe connection between Srinagar and Ladakh. The Z-Morh Tunnel’s capacity to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per hour will also alleviate congestion, making the region more accessible for both tourists and residents alike.
Z Morh Tunnel and Zojila Tunnel will reduce route length and increase travel speed from 30 km/hr to 70 km/hr, ensuring seamless and safe connection between Srinagar and Ladakh
The Sonamarg Tunnel is also expected to significantly boost the region’s winter tourism. Historically, Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination, was cut off during the harsh winter months. However, with the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel, the town will remain open for tourists throughout the year, unlocking new avenues for winter tourism, adventure sports and local livelihoods. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has emphasized that Sonamarg, alongside Gulmarg, will now serve as a premier skiing destination, fostering economic growth and expanding the scope of tourism in the region.
A Vision for Infrastructure and Economic Growth
The development of the Sonamarg tunnel is part of a broader vision for infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been rapidly transforming in recent years. With an emphasis on boosting connectivity, the region is witnessing an unprecedented scale of infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, hospitals and educational institutions.
Prime Minister Modi has often highlighted the need for comprehensive infrastructure to connect remote regions and promote equitable development. The completion of the Sonamarg tunnel aligns with this vision and exemplifies the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. More than Rs 42,000 crore is being invested in road connectivity projects across the Jammu and Kashmir including the construction of national highways, ring roads and tunnels, with the objective of ensuring seamless travel and enhancing regional integration.
Further, the region is also seeing significant advancements in education, healthcare and social welfare.
Over the past decade, more than 4 crore poor families across the country, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, have benefited from the government’s housing schemes. With the addition of 3 crore new houses in the coming years, the government aims to provide permanent shelter to those in need.
Additionally, the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, medical colleges and polytechnic colleges in Jammu and Kashmir is laying the foundation for the region’s youth to access world-class education and employment opportunities. These institutions, alongside initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma scheme, aim to empower local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs, creating a conducive environment for economic growth and self-reliance.
Tourism: A Cornerstone of Economic Revival
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and the development of the Sonamarg tunnel is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the sector. With improved connectivity, tourists will be able to explore previously inaccessible areas, contributing to the growth of local businesses, including hotels, homestays, restaurants and transport services.
The increased number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir is already having a transformative effect. In 2024, the region welcomed more than 2 crore visitors, a record number, with Sonamarg experiencing a sixfold increase in tourist footfall over the past decade. This influx of visitors has provided a significant boost to local economies, creating jobs and enhancing the livelihood opportunities for the people.
During his speech, Prime Minister Modi has frequently stressed the importance of tourism in the journey toward a developed India, noting that it can drive economic growth, foster cultural integration and provide employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The development of tourism infrastructure, supported by initiatives such as the construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economic resurgence.
The inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel represents more than just an infrastructure achievement; it is a symbol of the new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. The region, which has long struggled with isolation, is now on the path to becoming one of the most connected and accessible parts of the country.
These projects will not only enhance the lives of the residents but will also strengthen national security and contribute to economic growth through improved tourism and trade. As Prime Minister Modi remarked, “Jammu and Kashmir of the 21st century is scripting a new chapter of development,” leaving behind the troubled past and embracing a future of prosperity, opportunity, and resilience.
The completion of the tunnel is a testament to the determination, vision and collective effort of the government, the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the countless workers who braved extreme conditions to bring this vision to life. It is an acknowledgment that, as the region moves forward, no challenge is insurmountable when there is a resolute commitment to progress and unity.
