In a significant administrative reform, the Ministry of Railways has officially declared Jammu as a new Railway Division under the Northern Railway (NR) zone, effective from June 1, 2025. This new division has been carved out of the existing Firozpur Division, and it marks a major milestone in enhancing railway infrastructure and management in the region.
The formation of this division was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 6, 2025, highlighting the strategic importance of Jammu in India’s railway network and signaling a fresh phase of development for the Union Territory.
Notification Details: Jammu Tawi to Serve as Divisional Headquarters
As per the official government notification, the headquarters of the new division will be established at Jammu Tawi, a key junction station in Jammu and Kashmir. The notification reads:
“It is hereby notified for general information that the Central Government hereby constitutes a new Division with headquarters at Jammu Tawi under Northern Railway with effect from June 1, 2025.”
This reorganization aims to streamline operations, improve administrative efficiency, and enable faster railway development in northern India, especially in the strategically important regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Read also: Chenab Rail Bridge: Ushering a New Era in Jammu & Kashmir’s Railway Connectivity
Jurisdiction of the Jammu Railway Division
The newly formed Jammu Railway Division will manage a significant expanse of railway lines, covering a wide area of northern India. According to the official announcement, the jurisdiction includes:
- Pathankot – Jammu – Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan – Srinagar – Baramulla sections (423 km)
- Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot section (87 km)
- Batala (excluding) – Pathankot section (68 km)
- Pathankot – Joginder Nagar section (164 km)
These routes are vital for both passenger connectivity and freight transport, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Redefined Jurisdiction for Firozpur Division
Following the establishment of the new Jammu Division, the existing Firozpur Division will undergo a restructuring of its operational boundaries. The areas transferred to Jammu Division will no longer be under the purview of Firozpur, with the revised jurisdiction now excluding:
- Pathankot – Jammu – Baramulla corridor
- Pathankot – Joginder Nagar line
- Bhogpur Sirwal and Batala sections
The notification explicitly states:
“Consequent upon formation of the new Jammu Division, the Firozpur Division shall exercise control over the revised jurisdictions, which will constitute the existing jurisdiction of Firozpur Division, except the above sections.”
Exact Boundary Points Between Jammu and Firozpur Divisions
To maintain clarity in operations and infrastructure responsibilities, the divisional boundaries have been clearly demarcated:
- At KM 27.750 on the Jalandhar – Pathankot Section
- At KM 39.150 on the Amritsar – Pathankot Section
These precise points will serve as administrative cut-offs to ensure smooth functioning and avoid overlap between the two divisions.
Strategic Importance of Jammu Railway Division
The creation of the Jammu Division is expected to boost railway infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate project execution in northern India. With direct oversight over critical sections like the Jammu–Srinagar–Baramulla rail corridor, the division will play a pivotal role in:
- Strengthening logistics and defense connectivity
- Facilitating tourism and pilgrimage travel to destinations like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath
- Supporting economic growth through improved freight movement
- Accelerating work on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project
Benefits for Local Economy and Employment
Establishing the Jammu Tawi headquarters is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support economic development in the region. The increased focus on local infrastructure and railway projects will likely attract more investment and improve accessibility for remote areas.
Modernization and Future Prospects
With a dedicated divisional structure, the Jammu Railway Division will now have more autonomy to:
- Modernize stations along key routes
- Deploy advanced rail safety mechanisms
- Improve train punctuality and passenger experience
- Fast-track the integration of semi-high-speed trains and freight corridors
Moreover, Jammu’s strategic position on the rail map will be further enhanced through potential international trade and transit developments in future.
The creation of the Jammu Railway Division marks a historic administrative and infrastructural reform by the Indian Railways. By assigning dedicated jurisdiction and setting up an independent division, the government has taken a forward-thinking step toward regional development, strategic security, and economic upliftment.
With the headquarters at Jammu Tawi, and operational control over key northern rail corridors, this new division is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s modern rail network.
