
The new modernised Cherlapally Railway Terminal will be inaugurated on January 6, 2025. The facility will be virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Delhi. The built state-of-the-art terminal costs Rs. 430 crore. This is a major development in rail infrastructure. The function was scheduled on December 28, 2024, but it was put off because of the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Key Connectivity Projects in Focus
That one mega connectivity project, that had decided to connect Kashmir valley to rest of India in one fell go: the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway project recently saw the kind of significant feats-it noticed its important works complete ones, ensuring hitch-free train services to the valley. Official inauguration of it-including Cherlapally terminal-starts January 6.
Earlier, the Union Ministers, G. Kishan Reddy and Ashwini Vaishnaw, had requested the Prime Minister to attend both the events of inauguration of the Cherlapally terminal along with the connectivity project in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi gave his nod to the plan and permitted them to do it in tandem. In the event being held at Cherlapally, Kishan Reddy will attend while Ashwini Vaishnaw will oversee all the proceedings from Kashmir.
New Train Services to be Launched
A Vande Bharat Express and two more Mail Express trains are likely to be launched to connect Kashmir with the rest of the nation. These services will mark a major forward leap for strengthening regional connectivity along with further improving the overall efficiency of the rail network.
New Route Being Considered: Kanyakumari-Kashmir Train
Another important development is that the Central Government reportedly plans to introduce a new train service from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The new service would pass through Kazipet station and would connect directly the north-south corridor. This proposal is under review and would take more time to be implemented.