Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches and establishes the groundwork for several railway initiatives.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation for several railway projects through video conferencing. The Prime Minister officially opened the new Jammu Railway Division. He additionally placed the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and officially opened the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.

In extending his greetings for Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Jayanti, the Prime Minister highlighted that his teachings and life motivate the dream of a robust and thriving nation. Praising Bharat’s rapid advancement in connectivity, Shri Modi mentioned that from the beginning of 2025, India has been hastening its efforts, with its metro rail system growing to more than 1000 kilometers. He noted the recent launch of the Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR, together with the initiation of Delhi Metro projects yesterday. Shri Modi stated that the current event is additional proof that the whole nation is progressing collectively, step by step, as initiatives introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Telangana signify a significant advancement in modern connectivity for the northern, eastern, and southern areas of the country. He emphasized that the slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is aiding in making the dream of a developed India a reality. He congratulated the citizens of these states and all individuals in India on these advancements.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of modern rail networks, such as the Dedicated Freight Corridor, is advancing swiftly in the country. He stated that these dedicated corridors will alleviate congestion on the usual tracks and will also generate additional possibilities for high-speed trains. Shri Modi highlighted that the railways are experiencing a change with the advancement of Made in India.

He mentioned that contemporary coaches are being created for metros and railways. Stations are undergoing redevelopment, solar panels are being added to the stations, and ‘One Station, One Product’ kiosks are being established at railway stations. All these efforts are creating millions of fresh job openings in the railway industry. “Throughout the past ten years, countless young individuals have obtained stable government positions within the railways.” Shri Modi added, “The need for raw materials in factories that manufacture new train coaches increases job prospects in other industries too.”

The Prime Minister stated that considering the unique skills associated with railways, the nation’s first Gati-Shakti University has been set up as well. With the expansion of the railway network, new divisions and headquarters are being established, benefiting areas such as Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Leh-Ladakh. He mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir is reaching new milestones in railway infrastructure, particularly with the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla rail line, which is currently being talked about nationwide. Shri Modi stated that the finishing of the Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, will significantly contribute to linking the region with the rest of India, offering ease to the residents of Leh-Ladakh.

Shri Modi noted that the Anji Khad Bridge, recognized as the nation’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, is included in this project as well. He stated that Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge are exceptional illustrations of engineering that drive economic advancement in the area and foster prosperity.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Odisha possesses rich natural resources and an extensive coastline, indicating its considerable potential for global trade. He mentioned that multiple railway projects worth more than ₹70,000 crore are currently underway in the state, along with the creation of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals that are enhancing trade and industry. Shri Modi announced that the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha has been laid today, which will enhance the state’s railway infrastructure, fostering tourism, business, and job opportunities in Odisha, particularly in South Odisha, where there is a larger population of tribal families.

During the inauguration of the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana today, the Prime Minister emphasized its ability to enhance regional development through its connection to the Outer Ring Road. “This station, linked to the Outer Ring Road, will greatly enhance growth in the area,” he remarked. Shri Modi emphasized the station’s contemporary features such as its platforms, lifts, escalators, and solar-operated systems, remarking, “This is a move towards developing sustainable infrastructure.” He also emphasized that this new terminal will alleviate the strain on current stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, simplifying travel for the public.

The Prime Minister highlighted that these projects improve the quality of life and facilitate business operations, contributing to India’s overarching infrastructure objectives. Shri Modi highlighted that India is presently experiencing a significant infrastructure growth, which encompasses expressways, waterways, and metro systems. He stated that the quantity of airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to more than 150 now and that metro services have developed from 5 cities to 21 cities nationwide. He mentioned, “These initiatives are components of a broader plan for an advanced India, which has now become a goal for every individual in this nation.”

In an important step to enhance connectivity in the area, the Prime Minister launched the new Jammu Railway Division. He also inaugurated the foundation stone of the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and opened the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.