The newly created Jammu railway division of Northern Railway is now functioning as a fully operational division, with most of its operational and financial systems fully transferred, and it will focus on enhancing passenger amenities, ensuring safety, and increasing freight logistics in the upcoming year. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the Railway authorities are optimistic that the Jammu division will continue to strengthen in the coming years through improved passenger services and enhanced freight operations. Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar said that the four key priorities for the coming year will be enhancing passenger amenities, ensuring safety and security in train operations, expanding infrastructure, and increasing freight loading, and we will be undertaking extensive work in all these areas in the coming year. Kumar expressed confidence that the Jammu Division will continue to strengthen in the coming years with improved passenger services and enhanced freight operations. The division, formed during 2025–26 after reorganization from the Firozpur Division, has made significant progress in a short span of time. The division is fully carrying out all operations. Rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir has expanded significantly, with previously unconnected sections now integrated into the main railway network. As part of the broader vision of expansion of Indian Railways, the railway network in J&K has also expanded significantly. The Katra–Banihal section, which includes the iconic Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, thereby enhancing connectivity in the region. Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains are currently operational between Katra and Srinagar, receiving a positive response from passengers and giving a fillip to tourism and local mobility. The division’s critical role during emergencies, such as the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year, when special trains were organized for the evacuation of affected individuals. A consignment of cherries was transported from Katra to Chennai in a record time of approximately 30 hours, improving logistics for perishable goods. During Operation Sindoor, railway services maintained uninterrupted operations, facilitating the movement of defence personnel and the evacuation of civilians, with no trains halted during this period. Around 3 thousand stranded passengers in Katra were evacuated via Udhampur using a combination of buses and trains. The railways transported nearly 20 thousand tonnes of apples from Kashmir to Delhi markets during the disruption of road connectivity, providing crucial support to the local horticulture sector. A special “flood special” train operating between Katra and Srinagar acted as a lifeline during the crisis. This service has now been extended to Katra, and a daily express train between Katra and Srinagar, equipped with reclining chair car coaches, has been introduced as a permanent fixture.