Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-anticipated railway link connecting Katra to Kashmir on April 19, marking a historic milestone in the decades-long effort to integrate the region into the national railway network.
The launch of this rail service fulfills a dream that has been more than 70 years in the making, according to official sources.
Historic rail connectivity to the valley
The inaugural train will commence its journey from Katra, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, and traverse the challenging Pir Panjal mountain range before reaching Srinagar.
The train will then continue to its final destination at Baramulla in North Kashmir, significantly enhancing connectivity to the region.
The grand event will witness the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Ahead of the flag-off, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address a public rally at Katra, where he is expected to highlight the significance of this rail connectivity in fostering economic growth, tourism, and regional integration.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will return to New Delhi in the afternoon.
Also Read: Jammu rail link a historic milestone: Jitendra Singh
Operational and future expansion plans
According to railway officials, the train service will initially operate from Katra, with plans to extend its starting point to Jammu once the expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed.
The expansion, which includes an increase in the number of platforms, is expected to be finalized by July-August this year.
However, there will be no direct train service from Delhi or other major cities to Kashmir in the initial phase. Passengers traveling from different parts of the country will need to de-board at Katra and board the train to Kashmir.
Once the operational base shifts to Jammu, passengers will instead need to change trains there.
Extensive trials and security preparations
The railway authorities have conducted multiple trial runs of the Katra-Baramulla route, including a successful test with the Vande Bharat Express. Security concerns along the railway corridor have also been thoroughly addressed to ensure smooth and safe operations.
A major engineering feat, the project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 41,000 crore. On January 4, a successful trial run of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, further validating the readiness of the railway line.
Over the past few months, a series of technical trials were carried out across various segments of the track, including key landmarks such as the Anji Khad and Chenab bridges.
Also Read: Banihal-Katra Railway section final inspection begins
A game changer for Kashmir’s economy and connectivity
One of the key highlights of the train service will be the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar, specially designed with anti-freezing technology to withstand extreme winter conditions.
This rail link is expected to bring transformative changes to Jammu and Kashmir by boosting tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and local industries.
Additionally, it will significantly ease the movement of people and goods, especially during adverse weather conditions when the strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway often remains closed due to snowfall and landslides.
The much-awaited train service will offer new economic opportunities to the people of Kashmir while enhancing national integration by providing seamless connectivity to the rest of the country. With this milestone, the Indian Railways takes a giant leap toward realising its vision of a fully connected and accessible Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Railways achieve milestone with 18-coach Katra-Kashmir trial run
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