Shiv Sena submits memorandum to Railways Minister, seeks major terminal status for Jammu Tawi

Jammu, Sep 22: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) J&K unit on Tuesday submitted a memorandum addressed to the Union Railway Minister through the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Senior DCM), Jammu Division, seeking that Jammu Tawi Railway Station be retained as a major rail terminal with seamless connectivity to existing and upcoming rail routes.

Shiv Sena J&K president Manish Sahni said railway expansion should strengthen Jammu Tawi rather than bypass the city. He sought connecting trains, DEMU and Vande Bharat services from Jammu to Katra, Srinagar and other destinations to facilitate convenient onward travel for passengers.

The memorandum also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance during the inauguration of the Katra rail link on July 4, 2014, regarding Jammu’s role as a major rail hub, and urged that it be maintained.

Sahni said Jammu Tawi’s central location makes it important for pilgrims, tourists and passengers, and claimed that bypassing the city could affect local trade, employment and livelihoods. He said over 10,000 signatures of citizens and traders have been collected in support of the demand.

The delegation also submitted a separate memorandum seeking review of the new exit arrangement at Jammu Tawi, implemented from September 16, and urged the railway authorities to provide passengers safe and convenient exit options instead of directing them exclusively towards Narwal. On this occasion Sanjeev Kohli , Sanjay Bhatt , Aditya Mahajan , Tarsem Kumar were present.