Katra, August 10
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritised the interests of Jammu and Kashmir since he took charge in 2014.
The remarks of the Union Minister came as Prime Minister Modi virtually flagged the Vande Bharat Express train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Amritsar.
"From 2014 to today, in the last eleven years, PM Modi Ji has given priority to Jammu and Kashmir. This holy place of Katra Vaishno Devi is a symbol of this. And I am not saying this just for the sake of saying it. You will remember that before becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi Ji started his election campaign by visiting the temple of Mata Vaishno Devi. His first big public program immediately after becoming the Prime Minister was the inauguration of this station...Today, this is the fourth one (Vande Bharat Express train) connecting two pilgrimage places, Katra Vaishno Devi and Amritsar," he said.
Earlier today, PM Modi also flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains connecting different parts of the country. He added that the commencement of the Vande Bharat service between Bengaluru and Belagavi will boost trade and tourism in Belagavi.
Additionally, Vande Bharat Express trains were launched between Nagpur and Pune, and between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Amritsar.
The Prime Minister noted that these services will benefit lakhs of devotees and promote tourism. He congratulated the people of Bengaluru, Karnataka, and the entire nation for these projects and the new Vande Bharat trains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro worth around Rs 7,160 crore and laid the foundation stone of Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project worth over Rs 15,610 crore in Bengaluru, Karnataka today.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the new trains are welcome, I wish the government would focus equally on basic amenities in J&K. Better roads, hospitals and schools are needed more than luxury trains for most locals.
Connecting two major pilgrimage sites is brilliant! My parents will now find it easier to visit both Vaishno Devi and Golden Temple in one trip. Jai Mata Di! ðŸ™
The Bangalore metro expansion is equally important! Our city desperately needs better public transport to reduce traffic congestion. Good to see balanced development across regions.
All these projects are good, but I hope ticket prices remain affordable for common people. Vande Bharat is becoming too expensive for middle class families to use regularly.
As a frequent traveler to India, I'm impressed by the rail modernization! The new trains make journeys between religious sites much more comfortable for international tourists too.
Development is good but please don't forget environmental concerns. The Himalayas are fragile - hope proper EIA was done before these projects in J&K.
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