Sangeeta Arun Jaitley meets Railway Minister, seeks better rail connectivity for J&K
Submits memorandum on behalf of Dogra Samaj Trust; calls for daily train to Mumbai, revival of Dogri satellite channel
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Sangeeta Arun Jaitley, wife of former Union Finance Minister Late Arun Jaitley, recently met with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, to discuss key concerns affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in relation to transportation and cultural representation. During the meeting, Sangeeta Jaitley highlighted the limited frequency of the Jammu-Mumbai train service, which currently runs only four days a week. She emphasized that, given the substantial number of residents from Jammu & Kashmir working in Mumbai and surrounding regions, there is an urgent need to extend this service to operate daily. She also advocated for the introduction of a low-cost express train, similar to the ‘Garib Rath’, to ensure affordable and accessible travel for economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Referring to the recent challenges during Operation Sindoor, she pointed out that the cancellation of flights and restricted train operations left many families in Jammu deeply anxious, particularly those with relatives residing in other parts of the country. “The people of Jammu were distressed during that period, and there is a need for reliable transport alternatives and crisis preparedness in such situations,” she said. In a significant cultural appeal, Sangeeta Jaitley reminded the Minister that her late husband, Arun Jaitley, had sanctioned a satellite channel dedicated to the Dogri language during his tenure. She urged the government to fulfill this commitment by taking immediate steps to launch the long-awaited channel, calling it an important initiative to preserve and promote Dogri culture and identity.
Meanwhile, Sangeeta Arun Jaitley also presented a memorandum to the Minister on behalf of Nidhi Dogra, Patrona of the Dogra Samaj Trust, Mumbai. The memorandum outlined community concerns and reinforced the call for improved connectivity and cultural representation for the Dogra community living outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister acknowledged the issues raised and assured that the demands would be given due attention and referred to the concerned departments for appropriate action. Sangeeta Jaitley’s engagement reflects a continued commitment to the interests of the Jammu and Kashmir region and its people, especially in areas of connectivity, culture, and inclusion at the national level.
