Jammu, Jan 6: On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the upcoming direct rail service linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. He reassured the public that his government is committed to ensuring that the region reaps significant benefits from the completion of this long-anticipated project.
Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp for the Latest News
Abdullah made these remarks during a function coinciding with the virtual inauguration of the Jammu railway division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the commencement of the direct train service to Kashmir from Katra, with the final trial run set for Tuesday.
“We received good news via the media two days ago about the trial train reaching Katra from Srinagar, and we expect the prime minister to inaugurate this section shortly, which will complete the railway line and greatly benefit the region’s residents,” the chief minister noted.
He did, however, acknowledge some public apprehensions regarding the rail service, specifically in Jammu.
“There are concerns that when the rail service connected Jammu to Pathankot (Punjab), conditions in Pathankot became somewhat challenging. There are similar fears that direct trains from Jammu to Kashmir could lead to comparable challenges here in Jammu.
“On behalf of my government, I assure the citizens of Jammu that the new rail service to Kashmir will not adversely affect this region. In fact, we guarantee that Jammu will benefit significantly, as it will boost trade and tourism while facilitating increased travel between the two areas,” Abdullah assured.
He also commended the prime minister for enhancing connectivity and the road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah emphasized that the expansion of railways to Poonch-Rajouri in Jammu and beyond Baramulla in Kashmir will be overseen by the Jammu railway division.
“My last official event during my previous term as chief minister was the opening of the Katra railway station. Now, upon my return to office, this is my first major engagement. Both occasions are tied to railway developments and conducted under Modi’s leadership,” he remarked.
He added that the inauguration of the Jammu division stands as a testament to the prime minister’s dedication to advancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
Abdullah highlighted ongoing projects such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, as well as Z-morh and Zojila tunnels to ensure all-weather road access to Ladakh, alongside airport upgrades, which, once completed, will further strengthen connectivity.
Praise was also directed at the railway ministry, with Abdullah noting that passengers previously disembarked in Pathankot before the trains slowly made their way to Jammu. Over the past forty years, railway services have gradually expanded—from Jammu to Udhampur, and subsequently from Udhampur to Katra. Similarly, the rail route in Kashmir extended from Srinagar to Baramulla and further to Anantnag, Banihal, and then to Sangaldan.
He referenced the steep rise in airfares during winter months, when heavy snowfall often closes roads in Kashmir, stating, “Air tickets that should cost Rs 5,000 often soar to Rs 25,000. I hope the new rail service will not only serve the railways but also invigorate trade and industry with the introduction of cargo trains.”
Abdullah congratulated the residents of J-K on the establishment of a separate railway division in Jammu, describing it as a long-awaited demand now fulfilled.
“I extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw,” he concluded.
“Significantly, our coordination and control will now be managed from Jammu instead of Firozpur (railway division), which will surely bring recruitment benefits. Additionally, a small section of Punjab and part of Himachal Pradesh have also been incorporated into this new setup,” Abdullah stated.
