Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved the Ministers of Union Cabinet to review the pace of progress of developmental activities being carried out in the UT of J&K under different sectors, Union Minister of State for Railways, Coal and Mines, Raosaheb Patil Danve has said that the Union Government is keen on the holistic development of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Minister, who is on a 2-day visit of district Ramban as a part of the Union Government’s Public Outreach Programme, said this while addressing a public gathering at Sangaldan today.
Congratulating the PRIs at Sangaldan for actively participating in the electoral process and becoming member of District Development Council, the Minister appreciated the people in general and members of PRIs in particular for extending helping hand and cooperation in execution of railway project. He asked the PRIs to work in unison with administration to implement all developmental schemes at grass-root levels to ensure holistic development of their respective areas.
He directed the construction agencies to explore possibilities to provide job opportunities to local qualified engineers. He asked people to register an organization to open a CBSE School in the area.
Highlighting various developmental projects being carried out in the UT of J&K, the Minister said that funds to the tune of Rs 32000 crores are being spent to complete the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. He also urged upon the people to come forward to avail the benefits of schemes launched by the Union Government for their welfare and well-being.
Inspecting the Railway yard at Sangaldan, the Minister said that Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is the most ambitious railway project in India post-Independence and added that executing agencies are working in full vigour to ensure its timely completion. He said that although the alignment of USBRL is tough because of hilly terrain, the executing agencies are fully equipped with latest technology and dedicated workforce to meet all the challenges in construction of this ambitious project. He also appreciated the Railway engineers for doing commendable job in construction of this rail line.
Highlighting the importance of the railway project, the Minister said that Kashmir valley will be provided all weather connectivity with rest of the country, saying that people of the area will be benefitted with the completion of this project. It will go a long way in boosting tourism and commercial activities in the areas which will help in ameliorating the economic profile of locals, he added.