Train to Kashmir historic accomplishment: CM

Katra, Jun 6: Terming train to Kashmir as “historic accomplishment” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the development will boost tourism, trade and bring comfort in the daily lives of people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chief Minister, while addressing a gathering at Katra during the inauguration of the Chenab and Anji Bridges and at the flagging off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Train to Kashmir by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Whenever it rains and the highway shuts, the airlines start looting us. Tickets that normally cost Rs 5,000 shoot up to Rs 8,000. With this train, that exploitation will reduce, and travel will become easier.”
He also highlighted the economic advantages of railway connectivity for local agriculture. “Our apples, cherries and other fruits can now reach markets across the country more efficiently — and I hope, eventually, global markets too,” he said.
Omar acknowledged the central government’s push on infrastructure, citing the Jammu and Srinagar ring roads, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the Jammu–Srinagar highway four-laning project and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports. “Our full intention and committed effort is to complete these projects quickly and fulfill your slogan of ‘Viksit Jammu Kashmir, Viksit Bharat,’” he said.
Lauding Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Chief Minister said that the successful completion of this critical infrastructure project stands as a testament to the Centre’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Under PM Modi’s stewardship, yet another critical infrastructure project in Jammu & Kashmir has been completed. We are also witnessing rapid progress on other vital initiatives — the Jammu Ring Road, the Srinagar Ring Road, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports and the railway network,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that with the Prime Minister’s continued support, Jammu and Kashmir will soon regain its status as a full-fledged state.
“Today marks yet another momentous occasion. With your leadership and support, we look forward to Jammu & Kashmir regaining its status as a full-fledged state,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal tryst with key milestones in J&K’s rail history, Omar Abdullah recalled his presence at the inauguration of the Anantnag Railway Station, the Banihal Railway Tunnel, and his government’s final event at the same venue with PM Modi in 2014.
“You may call it fate, or perhaps destiny, but I have always had the good fortune of being present at key milestones in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway journey,” he said.
He also recalled that the dream of connecting Kashmir via railway dates back to colonial times.
“Even during British rule, plans were envisioned — such as the proposed Uri and Jhelum railway lines — but they remained unfulfilled. What the British could not achieve, you have made a reality. You have connected Kashmir with the rest of India and, through it, to the wider world. This is a historic accomplishment,” he said.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he credited him for being the first to recognize the rail-network to Kashmir as a project of national importance.
“This progress owes much to the vision of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who declared this railway line a project of national importance. Since then, the project has seen consistent progress and budgetary prioritization,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to development, the Chief Minister reiterated his resolve to fulfill the vision of a prosperous region.
“Our government remains committed to the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu Kashmir, Viksit Bharat’ — a developed Jammu & Kashmir, a developed India — and we are determined to realize this goal for the people of our region.”
The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“On this historic day, on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to you, Hon’ble Prime Minister. Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping turn decades-old dreams into reality.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister made a renewed pitch for the restoration of statehood to the region.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi Omar, said the Union Territory status was a “demotion” that he hopes will soon be reversed and he would get a promotion — under PM Modi’s leadership.
“I was the Chief Minister of a state; now I’m the Chief Minister of a Union Territory. But I firmly believe that this will be corrected very soon — and it will be under your leadership, Prime Minister, that Jammu and Kashmir will once again regain the status of a state,” Omar said in a direct appeal during his address at the Katra Railway Station. (KNO)