Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 32,000 crores in Jammu on Tuesday. The projects relate to several sectors including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure among others.

The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation various rail projects in Jammu & Kashmir including the new railway line between Banihal - Khari – Sumber - Sangaldan (48 Km) and the newly electrified Baramulla – Srinagar – Banihal - Sangaldan section (185.66 Km). The Prime Minister also flagged off the first Electric Train in the valley and also train service between Sangaldan station & Baramulla station.

Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said that, the day is not far when people will be able to travel across the country by taking a train from Kashmir. Speaking about the huge campaign of electrification of railways underway in the country, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir on getting the first electric train today. Referring to modern trains like Vande Bharat, he said two Vande Bharat trains are running in Jammu and Kashmir and access to Mata Vaishno Devi has improved.

The commissioning of the Banihal – Khari – Sumber - Sangaldan section is significant as it features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route providing a better riding experience to the passengers. Also, India’s longest transportation tunnel T-50 (12.77 Km) lies in this portion between Khari - Sumber. The rail projects will improve connectivity, ensure environmental sustainability and boost the overall economic development of the region.