Ruling National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, along with other party leaders and MLAs, took a ride on Tuesday on the recently-launched Vande Bharat Express from Srinagar to Katra and described it as the “biggest gift” to the people of the Union Territory.
The veteran 87-year-old second-generation politician and three-time Chief Minister of J&K, displayed emotions after the journey as he mentioned that he was elated to see the Kashmir Valley finally getting connected with the rest of the country by rail.
Farooq Abdullah boarded the train at Srinagar Railway Station and travelled up to Katra.
He was accompanied by his two grandsons — sons of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah — Zamir and Zahir — J&K Deputy CM Satish Sharma, Chief Minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq.
“I am very happy to be travelling on this train to Katra. It is one of the biggest benefits for us,” said the NC supremo.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two semi-high-speed trains connecting the Valley with Jammu’s Katra town began operations on June 7. Since their inauguration, the trains have gained immense popularity among locals, pilgrims, and tourists, with bookings already at full capacity. Vande Bharat Express trains run between Srinagar and Katra via Banihal six days a week, except Wednesday.
Abdullah emphasized that the Vande Bharat service offers a much-needed alternative to the Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is often unreliable due to landslides and weather-related disruptions.
“The road gets closed frequently, and airfares shoot up during such times. This train will spare people from those difficulties,” he said.
Abdullah also noted that the train service will positively impact the tourism sector and the region’s horticulture industry.
At Katra railway station, Abdullah called the train the biggest gift for the people as it will also strengthen “love and friendship” between the two regions.
He congratulated all the workers and engineers who built the world’s highest bridge on the Srinagar-Katra train link.
