In a historic step towards urban modernisation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah on Saturday (April 19) jointly inaugurated Kathua’s first-ever Municipal Parking Complex. The event marks a major milestone in the district’s journey from a remote border town to a fast-developing urban centre.
Addressing a large public gathering amid the scorching April heat, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS in the PMO, recounted Kathua’s humble past to underscore the scale of its transformation. “There was a time when you could count the number of cars in the city on one hand — the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and the Executive Engineer were the only ones with personal vehicles,” he said. “Today, the demand for structured parking solutions reflects Kathua’s evolution into a bustling, aspirational town.”
Symbol of Centre-State Partnership
The presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who flew in despite ongoing engagements in Delhi, was hailed as a significant gesture of Centre-State coordination. “His presence here is more than ceremonial,” Dr. Singh noted. “It reaffirms our shared vision for a developed Jammu & Kashmir, guided by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The newly inaugurated multi-level parking complex is part of a broader infrastructure push that has reshaped Kathua’s civic landscape over the last decade. The town has seen the launch of the prestigious Vande Bharat Express, the modernisation of Kathua railway station, the establishment of three medical colleges, and the creation of a Biotech Park, Homeopathy College, and Engineering Institute — all under the parliamentary constituency represented by Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Big Projects, Bigger Vision
The Minister highlighted ongoing and upcoming mega-projects, including the ambitious Delhi-Kathua Express Corridor, which will soon reduce travel time to the national capital to just five hours. “Once that corridor is functional, the transformation will be undeniable. Kathua will no longer be seen as a peripheral district — it will be at the heart of the new North India growth corridor,” he declared.
Dr. Singh also cited the completion of other vital projects such as the Kediyan-Gandyal bridge, the installation of a majestic statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh at the gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, and the development of a modern stadium built in collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Additionally, he acknowledged the contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, especially the construction of the serene Birla Park, which he personally recommended to the Chief Minister as an ideal morning walk destination.
Call to action against social ills
While celebrating the region’s infrastructure boom, the Minister did not shy away from raising concerns over pressing social issues like drug abuse and illegal mining. “It’s time Kathua’s name stopped being associated with these problems. We must reclaim the town’s dignity and make it a role model for others,” he said.
He appealed for a united fight against narcotics and environmental violations, involving not only law enforcement and administration but also parents, teachers, and civil society groups. “Our youth are our future. If they fall prey to addiction, who will drive the Vande Bharat or park their car in this complex? Who will take care of their families and make use of the opportunities we are building today?” he questioned, drawing applause from the crowd.
Honouring the Past, Building the Future
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded his address by invoking the legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and a key figure in Jammu & Kashmir’s integration into the Indian Union. “Kathua is not just a town. It’s an emblem of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s vision and a living tribute to the sacrifices of national heroes,” he said.
With the municipal parking complex now operational and several infrastructure projects in progress, the town of Kathua stands poised for a new chapter in its growth story. Once a sleepy border district, it is fast emerging as a dynamic example of development-driven governance in Jammu & Kashmir.
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