Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday welcomed the imminent launch of the Vande Bharat Express to the Kashmir Valley, calling it a “game-changer” that will bring relief to ordinary citizens and mark a new era of connectivity for the region.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Katra railway station alongside Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, CM Omar said the project holds deep personal significance. “I was in Class 7 when this railway project was first envisioned. It has taken decades, but the day has finally come when Kashmir will be directly connected to the rest of India by train,” he said.
Omar underlined the far-reaching benefits of the rail link, especially during the frequent highway closures caused by landslides and weather disruptions. “When the highway shuts down, airline ticket prices skyrocket from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000. With the Vande Bharat now operational, this exploitation will end, and the suffering of the common people will reduce,” he asserted.
He praised the engineering marvels involved in the railway project, noting, “The Vande Bharat will now operate on the Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world, and also on Anji Bridge, India’s longest cable-stayed railway bridge. These are milestones in both connectivity and national pride.”(KINS)
