On Thursday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the first direct Vande Bharat Express from Jammu to the picturesque Kashmir valley, pledging enhanced rail connectivity to remote locations including Poonch, Rajouri, and the border town of Uri. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving transportation links in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the inauguration at Jammu railway station, Vaishnaw highlighted that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has paved the way for developing detailed project reports (DPRs) aimed at connecting these regions to the national rail network. Alongside him were notable dignitaries including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express is set to significantly reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, fostering tourism and providing an all-weather transport solution for the region. This service builds on the direct train service launched between Katra and Srinagar last year, expanding its reach to Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
The ambitious railway project, valued at Rs 43,780 crore, began in the late 1990s and has been a long-awaited boon for the Kashmir valley, with the first train services commencing in October 2008.
After the flagging off, Vaishnaw expressed determination to enhance connectivity to the Poonch and Rajouri districts, affirming, “We will now focus on connecting Poonch and Rajouri with rail connectivity. We will also take up a project to connect Uri with the train.” He emphasized that the DPRs for these projects are finalized and construction efforts will commence soon.
Vaishnaw described the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express as a major landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir. “The prime minister inaugurated this service last year; its popularity has resulted in 100% occupancy, establishing it as a lifeline for the region,” he stated.
He further noted an increasing demand for passenger capacity on the train, which originally operated with eight coaches. “Now, it has been made into a 20-coach train, significantly enhancing capacity from 500 to 1,400 passengers per trip,” Vaishnaw commented.
The railway minister added that the train has facilitated the transport of various goods like cement and apple exports from Kashmir, demonstrating its economic impact. “Around 2 crore kg (20,000 tons) of fruits have already been transported through this service,” he stated. The Vande Bharat Express is fully equipped for all-weather operations, capable of running efficiently in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.
Chief Minister Abdullah praised the railway connectivity as a long-awaited dream for the people. “The connectivity is invaluable for both personal travel and transporting goods,” he said, expressing gratitude towards the Railway Minister and the central government. Abdullah further requested Vaishnaw’s assistance in establishing an inland port in Jammu and Kashmir. This port could facilitate seamless customs clearance, enhancing trade by allowing goods to be exported directly from the region.
“We need a dry port here to streamline customs processes,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for local solutions that could benefit the union territory’s economy.
Abdullah also highlighted the significant enthusiasm surrounding the train service, revealing that he never anticipated such a demand. “I have to seek help to reserve seats; this demand shows how important this service is,” he said.
Jitendra Singh echoed these sentiments, envisaging the direct train service as a catalyst for economic growth and improved connectivity for tourists and pilgrims alike. “Thanks to the Prime Minister’s initiatives, what was once a vision has become reality, with the direct train between Jammu and Srinagar now operational,” he added.
