The Indian Railways' 70th division has been established in Jammu and commenced operations on June 1, 2025. This new railway division will operate under the Northern Railway and will facilitate the Vande Bharat Express train service to Kashmir. Furthermore, it will expedite the monitoring and implementation of crucial projects aimed at expanding the railway network in border areas.
New Railway Division in Jammu
Indian Railways has established a new railway division in Jammu, fully operational since June 1, 2025. This division falls under the Northern Railway and is headquartered in Jammu Tawi. The Jammu division encompasses a total rail network of 742 kilometers, prominently featuring the Pathankot–Jammu–Srinagar–Baramula rail link. Additionally, it includes the Bhagpur Sirwal–Pathankot, Batala–Pathankot, and Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow gauge sections.
This new division will cater to the rail transportation needs of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. The 11 major goods sheds and terminals under its jurisdiction will play a significant role in transporting goods including grains, petroleum, cement, coal, and fertilizers.
Improvements in Kashmir Rail Projects
The new Jammu railway division will assist in the monitoring and implementation of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramula Rail Link project under the Kashmir line. A portion of this project is already operational, with the 111-kilometer section from Katra to Banihal completed. Once this rail section is fully operational, the Kashmir Valley will have direct rail connectivity to the main parts of the country.
According to Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, the establishment of the new division in Jammu will simplify the implementation of railway projects in border areas. Previously, these areas were managed under the Firozpur division, leading to challenges due to remoteness.
Future Plans and Expansion
The railway department has stated that after the launch of the Vande Bharat Express service to Kashmir, expanding the railway network in border areas will be a priority. This includes plans to extend train services to Leh, which will contribute to the region's economic and social development.
To provide better services to passengers, the railway has increased the staffing levels in this new division. Officers have been appointed to several senior positions, including the Divisional Railway Manager. This step will strengthen the railway's efficiency and oversight.
