Srinagar, Jun 06 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir political leaders on Friday welcomed the arrival of Vande Bharat trains to the valley, with the former chief minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti saying the people are quite happy with the completion of the project.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world. He also inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji and later flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains running between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
The PDP chief, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, ‘We welcome the launch of Vande Bharat trains. The work has been going on for the last 40 to 45 years. It was started by Indira Gandhi in 1983, while all the successive governments played their role in the completion of this project. However, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally flagged off the trains after the inauguration of two vital bridges."
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma said the train link is poised to revolutionise regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
“Prime Minister Shri. @narendramodi 's inauguration of landmark infrastructure projects marked a watershed moment in Jammu and Kashmir's development journey. The Jammu-Srinagar train link is poised to revolutionize regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth, underscoring the BJP's unwavering commitment to propelling progress and development in the region,” Sunil Sharma wrote on X.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) spokesperson, Ravinder Sharma, talking to the media persons, said it is good to see PM Modi inaugurating the projects. “These projects have been taken up during the UPA rule. However, it takes time to complete the project. These projects are set to benefit the people on the ground,” he said.
Former minister and Apni Party president, Syed Altaf Bukhari, in a post on X, termed it a "historic milestone" and the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.
“This train service from Katra to Srinagar will not only reduce travel time by several hours but also ensure all-weather connectivity for Kashmir with the rest of the country for the first time,” Bukhari wrote.
“This improved connectivity is a big step towards progress and economic growth, as it provides a faster and more efficient transport link for moving goods — including fruits — to markets across the country. On this special occasion, I extend warm greetings to the people of Kashmir and take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government of India for turning this uphill task and long-cherished dream into reality. This is truly a moment of celebration,” he added—(KNO)