Srinagar , June 6 (KNS): Calling it a “new treasure” for Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh on Thursday said that the arrival of the Vande Bharat Express in the Valley marks a new dawn of connectivity, economic revival, and national integration. Addressing the media at Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar, Singh told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing development on an unprecedented scale under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Vande Bharat Express was inaugurated earlier in the day by Prime Minister Modi from Katra Railway Station, as part of a broader effort to connect Kashmir with the rest of India via modern rail infrastructure.
Referring to the Chenab Railway Bridge, Singh called it a “historic achievement,” stating, “This bridge alone is worth ?43,000 crore. It is the highest railway bridge in the world, and it will become a global symbol of engineering excellence—just like the Statue of Liberty is for the U.S.”
The bridge, which is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL), is poised to drastically reduce travel time and improve accessibility across the region. “It will now take less than three hours to travel from Jammu to Srinagar—a dream that’s becoming a reality,” Singh said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He noted that while the Vande Bharat service currently runs between Katra and Srinagar, the full extension to Jammu will be operational by September, once remaining technical works are completed.
“I was at the airport yesterday—where 20,000 people used to come, only 2,000 arrive now. This train will bring back tourists, boost the hotel and cottage industries, and benefit local workers,” he added.
He also announced that goods trains will soon begin operations, enhancing the transport of Kashmir’s agricultural produce such as cherries and apples to national markets, while reducing the cost of bringing in essentials like cement and food grains.
Drawing a stark contrast with Pakistan, Singh said, “They offer their people bombs and bullets. But Prime Minister Modi is giving Kashmiris bridges, trains, and development. This is the difference in vision.”
A native of Punjab, Singh related to Kashmir’s challenges as a border region and praised the Centre’s commitment to inclusive progress. “This is not just a train—it’s a sign that Kashmir is being connected, empowered, and embraced like never before,” he concluded. (KNS)