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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, marking a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's connectivity. During the journey, Modi interacted closely with school children selected through a painting competition, engaging them in conversations about their interests and aspirations. Students shared memorable moments, including singing Kashmiri songs and discussing life experiences with the Prime Minister. The new express service dramatically reduces travel time and represents a major infrastructure achievement for the region.

Key Points: Modi Meets Young Singers on Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

  • First Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Kashmir railway networks
  • Students selected through painting competition meet PM Modi
  • Travel time reduced from 6-7 hours to just 3 hours
  • Travels through world's highest railway bridge
3 min read

I sang Kashmiri song for PM Modi, he liked it, says student on board to Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express

PM interacts with students on historic Vande Bharat Express, connecting Jammu and Kashmir through remarkable railway journey

"I sang a local Kashmiri song for him and he liked it very much. - Student Passenger"

Reasi, June 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting Jammu division with Kashmir.

This marks a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard the train.

The students, who had been selected through a painting competition, expressed their excitement over meeting the Prime Minister and travelling in the prestigious Vande Bharat Express.

One student said, "PM asked everyone what we did to be able to be here today. I told him we all participated in a painting competition, after which we got selected to come here. I even told him I want to become a singer, and he asked me to sing something. I sang a local Kashmiri song for him and he liked it very much."

Another student on board the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express shared, "When he asked everyone if anyone was into sports, I raised my hand. He asked me a few questions about that. Many students asked him about life lessons, and he gave very easy answers to all our questions... This train is a boon for all of us in J&K."

A third student said, "I liked it after meeting PM Modi. I interacted with him for the first time. He asked how we reached here, to which I replied that we took part in a painting competition and got selected... This is the first time I am travelling in Vande Bharat Express."

Another child added, "I liked meeting the Prime Minister. He asked us a few questions, and we asked him a few questions. I asked him how he was feeling after this dream of his was finally achieved... I want to thank the Prime Minister; he has done so much for us. He is always there in the service of his countrymen..."

The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.

The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world.

These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Heartwarming to see PM Modi connecting with Kashmiri youth like this! The Vande Bharat Express is truly a game-changer for J&K's connectivity. Hope this brings more opportunities for tourism and local businesses. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Such a sweet interaction! The student singing a Kashmiri song shows how culture can bridge gaps. But I hope the government also focuses on improving basic facilities in schools across J&K along with these mega projects.
A
Arjun S.
The engineering marvel of Chenab Bridge deserves more attention! At 359m height, it's taller than Eiffel Tower. Proud of our engineers who made this possible in challenging terrain. Kashmir's development is India's development.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who visited Vaishno Devi last year, I can say this train will be a blessing for pilgrims. The road journey was exhausting. Hope they maintain the trains properly though - our infrastructure often suffers from poor maintenance.
V
Vikram J.
Good initiative but hope the local Kashmiri people actually benefit from this. Sometimes big projects look good on paper but don't translate to ground-level improvements for common people. The real test will be in sustained development.
N
Neha P.
The children's excitement is so genuine! 😊 This is what development should look like - connecting hearts along with connecting places. Maybe next time they can invite students from other states too for cultural exchange.

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