𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲: 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫

Srinagar, June 5 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday hailed the launch of the Vande Bharat train to Kashmir as a landmark development, saying it would boost connectivity, curb airfare exploitation during road closures, and open new avenues for tourism and trade across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled flag-off of the train on Friday, Abdullah recalled that he had been anticipating this project since his school days. “I was in Class 7 when this project began. After years of waiting, it’s finally becoming a reality,” he said.

While acknowledging that the current summer tourist season has already been impacted by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah expressed hope for better footfall next year. He also encouraged Amarnath pilgrims to visit in large numbers during the upcoming yatra starting July 3, assuring that Kashmir’s hospitality and security arrangements would ensure a safe and fulfilling experience.

He stressed that security for the new railway route and its passengers is fully in place. “The train service has been operating smoothly in the valley for years. We’re ready for the commissioning of the Katra-Sangaldan section,” he said.

Abdullah highlighted the engineering feats behind the Udhampur-Baramulla rail line, noting the Chenab Bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower, and that the Anji bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. “It’s scary to look down from the Chenab bridge,” he added.

He also pointed out that the railway’s extensive tunnel sections between Katra and Banihal make it a unique and challenging infrastructure marvel. “This line will benefit our economy, tourism, trade, and provide jobs for locals,” he said.

Abdullah criticized airlines for exploiting passengers during highway blockades, citing exorbitant ticket prices. “A ₹5,000 air ticket jumps to ₹20,000 when roads are shut. This train will help prevent such exploitation,” he added.

Earlier in the day, both CM Abdullah and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the Katra railway station to review preparations for the PM’s visit. Dr. Singh described the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) as the start of a historic chapter for Jammu and Kashmir.

He credited PM Modi for reviving the project after 2014, noting that construction of the Chenab bridge had faced serious doubts before Modi’s leadership ensured its completion. He said the new rail link would revolutionize connectivity by reducing the Katra-to-Srinagar travel time to just three hours.

Dr. Singh encouraged tour operators to integrate the new train route into pilgrimage packages, particularly for Vaishno Devi visitors. “After darshan, they can reach Kashmir easily,” he said, adding that the train will help reduce congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, especially during troop movements or bad weather.

He confirmed that two trains—one for passengers and another for the Army—have already been successfully tested on the route.

Calling the project part of India’s broader development journey, Dr. Singh reflected on its historical roots, tracing the idea of rail connectivity back to Maharaja Pratap Singh’s era, nearly 150 years ago. He also noted Jammu’s first post-Independence train service began in 1972, while earlier, the region’s main station had been in Sialkot, now in Pakistan.

He concluded by emphasizing the uniqueness of this rail line, which travels through mountainous terrain and snowy regions. Coaches have been specially designed for the route, promising passengers a memorable and distinctive travel experience—even during Kashmir’s harsh winter months.