Signature Campaign, then “Street to Parliament” movement: Sahni
JAMMU, Aug 21: The Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu & Kashmir unit today announced the launch of the “Jammu Rail Hub Campaign”, demanding that Jammu Tawi be retained and developed as the final and major terminal for long-distance trains arriving from different parts of the country, along with convenient and regular connecting and shuttle rail services from Jammu to Katra and Srinagar.
Speaking at an event held at the party’s Jammu office, State President Manish Sahni released a poster carrying the campaign slogan, “Jammu Must Be a Major and Final Railway Terminal, Not Just a Stop.” He said Jammu cannot be reduced to merely a bypass or transit station for passengers travelling onward to Katra and Kashmir.
Sahni said major long-distance trains from different parts of the country should continue to terminate at Jammu Tawi, while a strong network of fast, convenient and regular connecting rail services should link Jammu with Katra and Srinagar.
He stressed that making Jammu a major railway terminal is directly linked to strengthening its local economy. Longer passenger stays would benefit markets, hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tourism, taxi services, small traders and other service sectors, while also creating new employment opportunities.
Drawing parallels with Siliguri and Kalka, Sahni said Jammu too can be developed as a powerful railway hub connecting major tourist and pilgrimage destinations in the region. Better connectivity from Jammu to Katra and onward to Srinagar can further strengthen this model and establish Jammu as a key centre for rail, tourism and trade.
Sahni announced that the next phase of the campaign would involve trade organisations, the Bar and Chamber, market associations, hotel and restaurant bodies, transport unions, taxi operators and civil society groups through a broad-based signature campaign.
The signatures and a memorandum reflecting public support will subsequently be submitted to the Union Railway Minister and the Prime Minister. The party will also raise the issue at the national level through its MPs and other public representatives.
“This is not merely an issue of where trains halt. It is a question of Jammu’s trade, employment, tourism and economic self-respect. Jammu will not be allowed to become a railway bypass,” Sahni said.
He further warned that the campaign would not remain confined to Jammu.
“The voice for Jammu’s rights will now travel beyond Jammu—from the streets to Parliament. We will continue this struggle until Jammu gets its rightful place as a major railway, trade and tourism hub,” Sahni said.