CM Omar Abdullah Hails Katra-Srinagar Train Link, Credits Vajpayee & Modi for Historic Milestone

By A Staff Reporter

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, June 4, 2025 — In a heartfelt speech during the inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that what was once a distant dream has now become reality. “Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British could not do, you got it completed,” he said, praising the successful linkage of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail.

Recalling the long journey of the project, Abdullah highlighted its historical significance. “I was in 8th grade when the foundation for this project was laid. Now I am 55, and it has finally been inaugurated. This could happen only when former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave it the status of a ‘project of national importance’ and increased its budget,” he noted.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the project will have a transformative impact on the region. “It will greatly benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir in every way—be it economic, social, or cultural,” he said.

Abdullah also appreciated the broader development efforts underway in the Union Territory, saying, “Just like this one, many infrastructure projects are being completed fast—Jammu Ring Road, Srinagar Ring Road, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Jammu-Srinagar four-lane highway, the expansion of Jammu and Srinagar Airports, and the ongoing railway network expansion.”

Underscoring a collective national vision, he added, “We are trying our best to achieve our goal of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir for a Viksit Bharat.” Concluding his address, Abdullah offered gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “I thank you, Prime Minister, from the bottom of my heart on behalf of all the people of J&K.”