PM Modi to Launch Vande Bharat Train Service in Jammu and Kashmir

A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu, June 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Friday to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train service connecting Katra to Srinagar and to lay the groundwork for projects valued at ₹46,000 crore. This visit is highly anticipated as it symbolizes a new phase of development for the union territory.

During this visit, PM Modi aims to fulfill a dream that has been long awaited by the people of Kashmir for over 70 years, making the journey from the isolated Valley to the rest of India a reality.

With a robust security framework in place, including personnel from the special protection group (SPG), army, CAPFs, and local police, the authorities are ensuring a secure and smooth visit for the Prime Minister. The residents of J&K are filled with hope that this day will mark a transformative moment for the region.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway has historically posed challenges for the residents of the Kashmir Valley due to its unreliability.

Even a minor rainfall can lead to landslides, mudslides, and road collapses, causing prolonged blockades on this crucial route.

However, with the commencement of the Vande Bharat train service on Saturday, these disruptions are expected to become a thing of the past.

“Our horticulture, agriculture, and handicrafts, including shawls, carpets, and walnut wood furniture, have suffered due to high transportation costs and delays in reaching markets,” stated Abdul Salam Mir, a 64-year-old businessman from Srinagar.

“For future generations in Kashmir, this will be a story of the past. Goods trains will now ensure our products are delivered swiftly and affordably, without the uncertainty of delays,” he added.

Students seeking admissions in professional colleges, patients requiring medical treatment, and local residents looking for reliable travel options will all benefit from the new train service.

Additionally, individuals from outside the Valley, including tourists and business professionals, will also reap the rewards.

“From a national integration perspective, the railway connection from Kashmir to Kanyakumari sends a strong political message that the Prime Minister will convey from Katra today,” remarked Krishen Chand, a 52-year-old resident of Katra.