Kathua: In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s urban development, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, today inaugurated the town’s first-ever Municipal Parking Complex. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Kathua’s transformation from a quiet township into a vibrant and modern urban hub.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd braving the sweltering afternoon heat, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the newly inaugurated facility as more than just a building—it symbolized the town’s journey toward urban evolution. Recalling the days when only a handful of cars dotted the town, he remarked, “There was a time when only three cars were visible in the entire city—one each belonging to the DC, SP, and Executive Engineer. Today, we are dedicating a full-fledged parking complex to the people of Kathua. That is how far we’ve come.”
Dr. Singh praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for attending the event despite his demanding schedule in Delhi. He hailed the CM’s presence as a powerful message of Centre-State cooperation and a shared commitment to fast-track the development of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Minister said that the new parking facility is just one of many projects that have reshaped Kathua’s urban landscape over the past decade. He cited key infrastructure advancements such as the launch of Vande Bharat trains, modernization of the Kathua railway station, establishment of three medical colleges, a Biotech Park, and the upcoming Engineering and Homeopathy colleges.
Highlighting the region’s growing connectivity, Dr. Singh spoke about the upcoming Express Corridor, which will reduce travel time to Delhi to just five hours. “Once this corridor is completed, people will witness the true scale of Kathua’s transformation,” he said.
The Minister didn’t shy away from addressing pressing social issues. He called on the community to fight illegal mining and drug abuse, emphasizing that Kathua must shed any lingering association with such challenges. “Kathua’s name should no longer be linked with drugs or illegal activities. Let’s come together—administration, civil society, and parents—and build a model town we can all be proud of,” he urged.
Several completed landmark projects were also spotlighted during the event, including the Kediyan-Gandyal bridge, Maharaja Gulab Singh’s towering statue at the gateway to J&K, and a newly built stadium supported by the BCCI. Dr. Singh lauded the contributions of the private sector through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, citing the development of Birla Park as a shining example. He invited the Chief Minister to visit the park, suggesting it could serve as a peaceful destination for his morning walks.
Dr. Singh concluded his address with a powerful reflection on civic responsibility and youth empowerment. “Infrastructure will only take us so far. If our youth fall into the trap of addiction, who will sit in the Vande Bharat train? Who will drive the cars or serve their aging parents?” he questioned, calling for long-term societal planning and engagement.
He described Kathua not just as a town but as an inspiration and a living tribute to the ideals of national icons like Syama Prasad Mukherjee. With the new Municipal Parking Complex operational and a series of future-ready projects in the pipeline, Kathua is now firmly on the map as a growing symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s urban revival.
