Key Points

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, the Union Railways Minister stated that Indian Railways is constructing five terminals from Baramulla (Kashmir) to Jammu, which will henceforth help in boosting the economy of the region.

"This will give a good jump to tourism. The economy will receive a significant benefit. We are making a total of 5 terminals in the stretch from Baramulla to Jammu, from where things can be brought to and forth. If we have to send produce from here to any part of the country, fruits and handicrafts and several other things - it will be easier to transport that... Recently, we did an experiment where cherries were transported through trains, and it was a successful experiment. We can also bring things here from different parts of the country. Everyone will benefit from this," Vaishnaw told ANI.

Meanwhile, security has been heightened in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, with authorities increasing inspections and vigilance, particularly in Katra city of Reasi district.

On Thursday, security forces also conducted extensive checks in the Ramban district, utilising dog squads and carrying out thorough vehicle inspections. Security was additionally heightened at Udhampur Railway Station to ensure safe movement ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the Katra railway station and inspected the Vande Bharat trains scheduled to be launched.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "If I tell you that I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, it will still not be enough. This rail project began when I was in the 7th or 8th class. Now, even my children have started working after completing school and college. But, better late than never...tomorrow PM will inaugurate the Vande Bharat services and it will benefit us...whenever highway gets blocked, the airlines start selling tickets of Rs 5,000 for Rs 20,000, such issues will be solved from now on."

The Northern Railway announced the commencement of regular services of the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which will start on June 7. The services will operate six days a week, enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the prominent pilgrimage destination.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir today and inaugurate several projects, including the Chenab bridge, the Anji bridge, and flag off Vande Bharat trains.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Chenab bridge and visit the bridge deck at around 11 am. Thereafter, he will visit and inaugurate the Anji bridge.PM Modi will flag off Vande Bharat Trains at around noon. Thereafter, he will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra.

- ANI