From 1898 to 2025 – Time to celebrate hopes

A historic moment is all set to unfold in Jammu and Kashmir on June 06, 2025 when a dream awaiting fulfillment for the last 127 years, will be realized with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to flag-off Vande Bharat trains, which is seen as a step toward integration of Kashmir with the rest of the country. The dream to connect Kashmir with the rest of India dates back to 1898, when the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir first proposed a railway link between Jammu and Srinagar. Over the decades, plans were made and shelved, terrain challenges persisted and political complexities added layers of delay. Yet the dream endured quietly, like a promise waiting to be fulfilled. Now, with the arrival of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express, that promise stands realized. This landmark event is symbolic on multiple fronts. It is a technological triumph. Building railways in one of the world’s most geologically and climatically challenging terrains demanded unmatched engineering expertise. It also represents a massive leap in connectivity and development. Vande Bharat is not just a train; it is a vehicle of opportunity. This moment is also a celebration of national unity. As the Vande Bharat Express glides into the Valley tomorrow, it will carry more than just passengers. It will carry the hopes of generations, the vision of unbroken unity, and the promise of a future where no part of the nation feels left behind.