Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday announced that Kathua would soon be connected through Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Express Corridor, substantially enhancing regional connectivity and boosting economic activities.
He also informed that a gas pipeline project for the district was on the anvil and was expected to be implemented shortly, providing cleaner and more efficient energy access to residents and industries.
Dr Jitendra, while addressing a public gathering near Khilochak Pond falling under Jastora assembly constituency in Kathua district, also referred to strategic projects such as the Shahpur Kandi project.
“The foundation stone of this project had been laid by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but remained pending for decades before being expedited under the present government. The project was revived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he recalled.
Dr Jitendra stated that the Shahpur Kandi project was almost complete and its completion would give a significant boost to the irrigation facilities and agricultural productivity in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
He further highlighted the importance of the Ujh multipurpose project, which he said was being revived after 100 years and the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. “They are expected to transform connectivity, irrigation and economic growth in the region,” the Union Minister said.
The rally was part of his outreach programme across his parliamentary constituency as part of the celebrations marking 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.
Asserting that Kathua was transformed from a neglected border town to growth hub during PM Modi’s tenure of 12 years, Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences besides being the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, stated that the tender for the proposed Homeopathy college in the district was already floated. He added that the foundation stone laying ceremony for the institution would take place soon.
In another important development, the Union Minister informed that the process of transferring land for the proposed Arun jaitley Stadium in Hiranagar was currently underway. The stadium would provide modern facilities to aspiring athletes and promote sporting culture in the area.
Highlighting the development initiatives undertaken during the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister stated that a new culture of transparent, accountable and development-oriented governance emerged across the country. He said the government worked with the principle of inclusive development, ensuring that welfare schemes reached every citizen irrespective of caste, religion or region.
“Flagship initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana have benefited millions of households, particularly women, by providing clean cooking fuel, financial support and improving their quality of life,” he added.
He said the financial assistance under the PM SVANidhi Scheme enabled street vendors to access affordable credit and strengthen their livelihoods. Similarly, loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana encouraged entrepreneurship and self-employment among lakhs of beneficiaries across the country, he added.
Highlighting the transformational journey of Kathua over the past 12 years, Dr Jitendra stated that the district evolved from a neglected border town into a major centre of industrial growth, healthcare, education, innovation and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kathua witnessed unprecedented development across multiple sectors, creating new opportunities for residents and strengthening the district’s role as a key growth hub in the region.
Enumerating the major achievements in the district, Dr Singh said the installation of Maharaja Gulab Singh’s statue, establishment of a Passport Office and setting up of Engineering and Medical Colleges significantly expanded access to higher education and professional training. He also highlighted the setting up of North India’s first seed processing plant, a Biotechnology Industrial Park and a Homeopathic Medical College, which collectively strengthened Kathua’s educational and research ecosystem.
Speaking on healthcare infrastructure, Dr Jitendra noted that the Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua transformed medical services in the district by improving access to quality healthcare and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced treatment.
The Union Minister announced that the proposed Arun Jaitley Stadium at Hiranagar was moving forward, with additional land being transferred for the project. He also underscored the introduction of two Vande Bharat Express trains in Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as a landmark step towards modern transportation and enhanced connectivity for the people of the Union Territory.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia and MLA, Kathua, Dr Bharat Bhushan besides others.
