Ferozepur faces economic setback as Jammu Railway Division is carved out

Already struggling under difficult economic conditions, Ferozepur faces another blow with the establishment of the new Jammu Railway Division. This development, which divides the historic Ferozepur Division, is expected to worsen the region’s economic plight, already exacerbated by the loss of several districts in the past.

The Ferozepur Division, once the largest and oldest railway division in India, was established in 1862, covering around 1,850 km of railway track and 239 stations. Following the formation of the new Jammu Railway Division, key sections to the north of Pathankot, totalling 742 km, have been transferred, reducing the size and scope of the Ferozepur Division. This restructuring has sparked frustration among the local population, who fear that the division’s bifurcation will damage the economy. The relocation of key railway offices and officials to the new division is expected to hurt local businesses.

Notable sections transferred to the Jammu Railway Division include the Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula line (423 km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 km), and Pathankot-Joginder Nagar (163.72 km).

The shift will also impact the “Amrit Bharat Station” scheme, as stations previously under Ferozepur’s jurisdiction will now fall under the new division. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, are expected to suffer due to a decrease in visitors, including railway officials.