Katra, Jun 6: Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Friday said probably it was divine intervention that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi was destined to dedicate the strategically crucial Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link to the nation and inaugurate iconic twin bridges.
It is believed that only when the Goddess wants someone to come to her abode; the person can visit to pay obeisance and seek blessings. Seemingly, in the case of the Prime Minister, he enjoys Maa Vaishno Deviís blessings that is why heís got an opportunity to dedicate these crucial projects to the nation and earlier inaugurate Katra Railway Station in 2014, Jitendra said addressing a public gathering in Katra to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the region.
Referring to the recently discovered large stores of Lithium reserves in the same vicinity and district Reasi of Jammu & Kashmir where PM Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, the Union Minister said that these huge lithium reserves would be the key to India achieving the target of ìNet Zero by 2070î carbon emissions by 2070.
He appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modiís visionary leadership in transforming the railway infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a landmark achievement that has redefined connectivity in the region.
He recalled how for decades, the dream of linking Kashmir by rail seemed distant, with projects repeatedly delayed or stalled. It was only under PM Modiís decisive intervention that the stalled work was revived, and ambitious projects like the worldís highest railway bridge and the extension of rail services between Jammu, Udhampur, and beyond finally came to fruition.
The Minister highlighted that these developments were not merely engineering feats but powerful symbols of national integration and progress, bringing the valley closer to the rest of the country.
He further noted that this enhanced connectivity opened new avenues for trade, tourism, and socio-economic development in the region.
ìThis is not just a change in physical infrastructure, itís a psychological transformation. Youth here are aspiring to become tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and start-up founders,î Jitendra Singh remarked.
Jitendra said, addressing the Prime Minister, ìYou will be delighted to know that recently, a large number of lithium mineral deposits have been found where we are sitting, a few kilometres away. When that lithium comes into use, it will play a role in achieving a net-zero emissions target by 2070. There are many wonders in this area that have yet to be explored and have never been carved. But now, with your blessings, they are joining the journey of Viksit Bharat.î
