Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various railway projects today, via video conferencing. The Prime Minister inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division. He also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.
Extending his greetings on the occasion of Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Jayanti, the Prime Minister emphasized that his teachings and life inspires the vision of a strong and prosperous nation. Lauding Bharat’s fast-paced progress in connectivity, Shri Modi stated that since the start of 2025, India has been accelerating its initiatives with its metro rail network expanding to over 1000 kilometers. He mentioned the recent inauguration of Namo Bharat train in Delhi-NCR along with the launch of Delhi Metro projects yesterday.
Shri Modi added that today’s 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. 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 reiterated the country’s steadfastness in its efforts to fulfil the vision of a Viksit Bharat. “The development of Indian Railways is central to achieving this goal. Over the past decade, Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation, altering the nation’s image and significantly boosting the morale of its citizens”, Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister emphasized that development of the Indian Railways is being advanced on four key parameters. First, the modernisation of railway infrastructure; second, the provision of modern facilities for passengers; third, the expansion of railway connectivity to every corner of the country; and fourth, the creation of employment opportunities and support for industries through railways. “Today’s programme is a testament to this vision. The establishment of new divisions and railway terminals will significantly contribute to transforming Indian Railways into a modern 21st-century network”, Shri Modi added. These developments will foster an ecosystem of economic prosperity, enhance railway operations, generate more investment opportunities, and create new jobs.
The Prime Minister remarked that the Vande Bharat trains, Amrit Bharat stations, and Namo Bharat Rail have set new benchmarks for Indian Railways. “Aspirational India today seeks to accomplish more in less time” Shri Modi stated. Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate on more than 50 routes, with 136 services offering passengers a pleasant travel experience. “Just a few days ago, I saw a video showcasing the new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train running at a speed of 180 kilometres per hour during its trial run. Such milestones fill every Indian with pride”, Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister emphasized that all these achievements are just the beginning, and it won’t be long before Bharat witnesses the operation of its first bullet train.
The Prime Minister underscored that the Indian Railways is focused on improving the travel experience. To this end, over 1,300 Amrit stations across the country are undergoing renovations. He said rail connectivity has grown significantly in the last decade, with nearly 100% electrification of rail lines, up from 35% in 2014. Over 30,000 km of new tracks have been laid, and hundreds of road overbridges and underbridges have been built. Additionally, all unmanned crossings on broad gauge lines have been eliminated, improving passenger safety and reducing accidents.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the work on modern rail networks like the Dedicated Freight Corridor is progressing rapidly in the country. He said these special corridors will reduce pressure on the regular tracks and will also create more opportunities for high-speed trains. Shri Modi emphasised that the railways are undergoing a transformation with the promotion of Made in India. He said 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. “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”, Shri Modi added.
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. He stated that 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. Shri Modi said 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.
Shri Modi remarked that the Anji Khad Bridge, which is the country’s first cable-based railway bridge, is also part of this project. He said Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge are unparalleled examples of engineering leading to economic progress in the region and promoting prosperity.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Odisha is blessed with abundant natural resources and a large coastline, and holds significant potential for international trade. He said that several railway projects worth over ₹70,000 crore are ongoing in the state, along with the establishment of seven Gati Shakti cargo terminals, which are boosting trade and industry. Shri Modi stated that today, 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 specially South Odisha, where the number of tribal families is higher.
Inaugurating the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana today, 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. Shri Modi also highlighted the station’s modern amenities including its platforms, lifts, escalators, solar-powered operations, saying, “This is a step forward in creating sustainable infrastructure.” He further highlighted that this new terminal will ease the pressure on existing stations in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, making travel more convenient for the people.
The Prime Minister emphasised 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. Shri Modi noted that India is currently undergoing a massive infrastructure expansion, including expressways, waterways and metro networks. He said that the number of airports has grown from 74 in 2014 to over 150 today and that metro services have expanded from 5 cities to 21 cities across the country. He said, “These projects are part of a larger roadmap towards a developed India, which is now a mission for every citizen of this country.”
Expressing confidence in Bharat’s growth, the Prime Minister said, “I am certain that, together, we will accelerate this growth even further.” He congratulated the citizens of India on these milestones and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nation-building.
The Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Governor of Odisha, Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Telangana Shri A Revanth Reddy and Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
In a key move to further boost connectivity in the region, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division. He also laid the foundation stone of Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway and inaugurated the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.
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 will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.
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 environment friendly terminal, having good passenger amenities, will ease congestion on the existing coaching terminals in the city like Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Kacheguda.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway. It will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and nearby areas and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.
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आज देश विकसित भारत की संकल्प सिद्धि में जुटा है और इसके लिए भारतीय रेलवे का विकास बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2025
भारत में रेलवे के विकास को हम चार पैरामीटर्स पर आगे बढ़ा रहे हैं।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2025
पहला- रेलवे के इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का modernization
दूसरा- रेलवे के यात्रियों को आधुनिक सुविधाएं
तीसरा- रेलवे की देश के कोने-कोने में कनेक्टिविटी
चौथा- रेलवे से रोजगार का निर्माण, उद्योगों को सपोर्ट: PM
आज भारत, रेल लाइनों के शत प्रतिशत electrification के करीब है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2025
हमने रेलवे की reach को भी लगातार expand किया है: PM @narendramodi
