Omar Abdullah Allays Concerns Over Direct Rail Service to Kashmir, Assures Benefits for Jammu

Omar Abdullah Allays Concerns Over Direct Rail Service to Kashmir, Assures Benefits for Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, January 6, 2025, addressed concerns about potential negative impacts on Jammu following the launch of direct rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country. He assured that his government would ensure the region reaps significant benefits from the completion of the long-pending railway project.

Speaking at a function in Jammu during the virtual inauguration of the Jammu railway division by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Abdullah highlighted the transformative potential of the direct train service to Kashmir from Katra. The final trial run of the train is scheduled for Tuesday.

“Two days ago, we got this good news through media that the trial train reached Katra from Srinagar. It is expected that very soon, the prime minister will inaugurate this section, completing the railway line and immensely benefiting the people of the region,” Mr. Abdullah said.

However, he acknowledged apprehensions among some residents of Jammu regarding the rail service.

"It is often said that when rail service reached Jammu from Pathankot (Punjab), the situation in Pathankot became a bit difficult. Here too, at some places, there is a notion that if trains reach Kashmir directly from Jammu, the latter might face the same situation as Pathankot," he explained.

Reassuring the people of Jammu, Mr. Abdullah emphasized that the direct rail service would only bring progress. "On behalf of my government, I want to assure the people of Jammu that the rail service to Kashmir will have no impact on the region. Rather, we assure that Jammu will benefit from it as it will enhance trade and tourism, besides increasing travel between the two regions," he stated.

Mr. Abdullah also commended Prime Minister Modi's efforts to improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the responsibility for expanding the railway line to Poonch-Rajouri in Jammu and beyond Baramulla in Kashmir lies with the newly inaugurated Jammu railway division.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Abdullah said, “In my previous tenure as chief minister, the last function I attended was the inauguration of the Katra railway station. After assuming charge again, this is my first major function. And both are linked to railways and held under the leadership of Modi.”