Eyes filled with tears on seeing Kashmir getting connected with the rail network: Farooq
Srinagar, June 10 (UNI) National Conference President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, on Tuesday travelled on the recently inaugurated Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express along with other leaders and party MLAs.
After the train ride, an emotional Abdullah said his heart was overwhelmed and his eyes filled with tears on seeing Kashmir finally getting connected with the rail network of the country.
Abdullah boarded the train from Srinagar Railway Station to Katra early Tuesday and expressed his admiration for the train.
"I am very happy to be travelling on this train to Katra. It is one of the biggest benefits for us,' said the former Chief Minister.
Launched 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.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's sons, Zamir and Zahir, J&K Minister Satish Sharma, Chief Minister's advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and National Conference Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq also accompanied Abdullah on his train ride.
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.
UNI MJR BD
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