Direct Jammu–Srinagar train to boost tourism, capacity must rise: Omar

Jammu, Apr 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the direct Jammu–Srinagar train service would significantly improve connectivity and give a major push to the tourism sector, while asserting that the frequency and carrying capacity of trains should be enhanced further to meet public demand.
Speaking to reporters here, CM Omar Abdullah said the direct rail link between Jammu and Srinagar is an important development for the Union Territory, which would ease travel for residents as well as tourists and help economic activity.
When asked how much the tourism sector would benefit from the train service, Omar said, “It will make a difference.”
The CM said he had repeatedly raised the issue of inadequate passenger capacity on the rail route. “I have repeatedly said that the capacity of the train has been very low. Only 8-bogie trains were running between Katra and Srinagar. Now there will be 20-bogie trains. More passengers will travel on these trains. It is a good thing. It should happen,” he said.
Abdullah said more needs to be done to fully utilise the potential of the service. “We want the train frequency and capacity to increase,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he would place certain suggestions and concerns during the April 30 function in the presence of the Railway Minister.
He also spoke on economic growth and entrepreneurship, saying Jammu and Kashmir was working towards creating a strong startup culture to generate opportunities for youth. “It is very important to have a startup culture. There is nothing hidden in this. Many states have started this before us. We are a little behind them, but we get to learn from their experience. We do not need to repeat their mistakes,” he said.
Omar said the government had already taken policy measures in this direction. “That is when the startup policy was announced in 2024. After that, funding was provided in the budget. We are trying to create an ecosystem for start-ups,” he said.
He said institutions were also showing interest in innovation and incubation support. “Government College of Engineering Technology has asked for an incubation centre. We will work on that this year,” he said.
Replying to a question regarding the reported attack on former US President Donald Trump, the Chief Minister condemned violence in politics and said disagreements should never translate into physical harm. “Thank God, he survived. No one wants anything to happen to him. Politics is a very bad thing. No matter how many disagreements you have, it is okay. Express them verbally. It is not right to harm anyone,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had suffered the consequences of political violence for decades and therefore understood its human cost better than many others. “Who knows this better than us in Jammu and Kashmir? In the last 30-35 years, people from all parties, including National Conference, BJP, Congress, PDP, CPM or you take the name of any party, our workers, our leaders, have been targeted with bullets and terrorism. It should not happen,” Omar said.
He further said that wars create avoidable suffering, and durable peace must remain the priority. “No one has been able to explain to us why this war is needed. Whatever happened, you did it. You did it wrong. Organise a lasting peace,” he said. (KNO)