Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation for several key railway projects in Telangana, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that these projects reflect the country’s progress and embody the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (development for all).
Highlighting a major achievement in India’s transportation sector, PM Modi noted that the country has now surpassed 1,000 kilometers of metro rail network. The Prime Minister also highlighted the recent inauguration of the Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR and the launch of metro projects in the capital.
Notable among the projects inaugurated by PM Modi was the creation of the new Jammu Railway Division, as well as the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway. These initiatives mark a major leap in modern connectivity, strengthening the infrastructure in the north, east, and south regions of the country.
PM Modi said that the inauguration of these railway projects was a testimony to the fact that India is advancing together. He reiterated that the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (development for all) is guiding the country’s transformation into a developed nation. He congratulated the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, and Telangana for these significant developments.
The Prime Minister also discussed the rapid progress of modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor, which will ease pressure on regular tracks and facilitate the operation of high-speed trains. He emphasized the role of ‘Made in India’ products in transforming the railways, including the development of modern coaches, station redevelopments, solar installations, and the setup of ‘One Station, One Product’ stalls at stations. These initiatives are generating millions of employment opportunities, not just in the railways, but also in industries producing raw materials for the manufacturing of new coaches.
PM Modi further highlighted that the country’s first Gati-Shakti University has been established to cater to the growing demand for specialized skills in railways. As the railway network expands, new divisions and headquarters are being set up, benefiting regions like Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Leh-Ladakh. He lauded the ongoing development of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line and the completion of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, which will enhance connectivity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Leh-Ladakh.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-based railway bridge, which is part of the Jammu & Kashmir rail project. He described the Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges as unparalleled examples of engineering excellence, contributing to economic progress and prosperity in the region.
In Odisha, PM Modi said that the state is rich in natural resources and boasts a large coastline, offering significant potential for international trade. He mentioned that several railway projects worth over ₹70,000 crore are underway in Odisha, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals that are boosting trade and industry. He specifically pointed to the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha, which is expected to bolster the state’s infrastructure, tourism, business, and employment, particularly in South Odisha, where a large number of tribal families reside.
During the inauguration of the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, PM Modi emphasized its importance in regional development, especially with its connection to the Outer Ring Road. He also praised the station’s modern amenities, including platforms, lifts, escalators, and solar-powered operations, which represent a significant step towards creating sustainable infrastructure. The new terminal will alleviate congestion at existing stations like Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda, making travel more convenient for passengers.
The Prime Minister underscored that these railway projects are not only improving the ease of living but also promoting the ease of doing business, which aligns with India’s broader infrastructure goals. He pointed out that the country is undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways, and metro networks. He also noted the growth in the number of airports, which has increased from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today, and the expansion of metro services from 5 cities to 21 cities across the nation.
“These projects are part of a larger roadmap toward a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country,” PM Modi said, expressing confidence that India’s growth will continue to accelerate.
The event was attended by Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Chief Ministers and Governors from Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, and Telangana.
The new Jammu Railway Division, covering 742.1 kilometers, includes regions like Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla. It will improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding areas, fulfill long-pending aspirations, and stimulate socio-economic development. The Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, developed at a cost of Rs 413 crore, will ease congestion at existing terminals like Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda. The foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway will further enhance connectivity in Odisha and neighboring areas.
The Prime Minister also marked the occasion of the Prakash Utsav, the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. In his address, he praised the ideals of Guru Govind Singh, which continue to inspire the nation towards a prosperous and empowered future. “His ideas inspire us to have a prosperous and empowered India,” PM Modi remarked, extending his best wishes to all on this auspicious occasion.
