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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to transform Jammu and Kashmir's connectivity with the launch of the Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar. The project aims to resolve decades-long transportation challenges that have hindered economic and social mobility in the region. Local residents are excited about the potential for reduced travel times, lower transportation costs, and improved access to markets and opportunities. This infrastructure initiative represents a significant milestone in Kashmir's developmental journey and national integration.

Key Points: Modi Transforms Kashmir Connectivity with Vande Bharat Train

  • Modi flags off historic Katra-Srinagar train service
  • Infrastructure project worth Rs 46,000 crore launched
  • Resolves decades-long transportation challenges
  • Promises economic and social integration
3 min read

J&K eagerly awaits PM Modi heralding a new dawn of progress

PM Modi launches groundbreaking Vande Bharat train, connecting Kashmir Valley and promising economic and social transformation

"From the point of view of integration and unity of the country, the railway link between Kashmir to Kanyakumari is a powerful political message - Krishen Chand, Katra Resident"

Jammu, June 6

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday to flag off the Vande Bharat train service from Katra to Srinagar and lay the foundation/inaugurate projects worth Rs 46,000, people are eagerly looking forward to a new developmental dawn on the union territory's horizon.

PM Modi is scheduled to rewrite history by realising the over 70-year-long dream of the people in Kashmir, for whom the journey from the landlocked Valley to the rest of the country looked a distant prospect.

As the entire security apparatus drawn from the special protection group (SPG), army, CAPFs and the local police are maintaining the hawkeyed vigil on the security situation to ensure a peaceful and hassle free visit of the PM, the common man in J&K is enthusiastic about the events of the day going to change the future of the UT.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway has always been the heartburn for millions of people living in the Kashmir Valley because of the highway’s undependability.

A small trickle of rain would trigger landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and caving in of the road, resulting in a blockade lasting days at a stretch on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

The blockade of the Jammu-Srinagar highway is going to be of little consequence after Saturday, when the commercial operations of the Vande Bharat train service begin.

“All our horticulture, agriculture and handicrafts, including shawls, carpets, and walnut wood furniture, etc., suffer because of the huge transportation cost and the time taken for such products to reach the terminal markets.

“For Kashmir’s future generations, this story is now going to be a forgotten tale of the past. Goods trains will now transport our produce in the shortest possible time at low freight and without any uncertainty about arrival,” said Abdul Salam Mir, 64, a businessman living in Srinagar city.

Students travelling to seek admissions in professional colleges, patients going out for treatment, businessmen travelling to outside markets, and the common man looking for comfort, affordability and certainty of travel, all people living in Kashmir Valley are going to benefit from the train coming to Kashmir.

People outside the Valley, including tourists, businessmen and professionals, will equally benefit.

“From the point of view of integration and unity of the country, the railway link between Kashmir to Kanyakumari is a powerful political message the PM is going to send from Katra town today”, said Krishen Chand, 52, a resident of Katra town.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is truly historic! The Vande Bharat train will finally connect Kashmir to the rest of India properly. Better connectivity means more economic opportunities for locals and easier travel for tourists. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While the development is commendable, I hope the government also focuses on preserving Kashmir's delicate ecosystem. Rapid infrastructure projects must be balanced with environmental concerns. The beauty of Kashmir is its greatest asset.
A
Amit S.
As someone who frequently travels to Kashmir for business, this train service will be a game-changer! No more worrying about highway blockages during winters. Finally, reliable connectivity! 🙌
S
Sunita R.
My brother is posted in Srinagar with the army. This train will make it so much easier for families to visit our brave soldiers. Infrastructure development in J&K is crucial for both security and prosperity.
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Vikram J.
Hope this brings down the prices of Kashmiri handicrafts in mainland markets. The middlemen take advantage of poor connectivity to inflate prices. Direct rail connectivity should benefit both producers and consumers.
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Neha T.
The railway project is good, but I wish the media would also highlight the local Kashmiri engineers and workers who made this possible. Development should be celebrated as a collective achievement, not just political symbolism.

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