- PM Modi to flag off the first train from Katra to Baramulla on April 19.
- Kashmir to finally get direct rail connectivity with India’s network.
- Security checks and train changes required at Katra for passengers.
Kashmir is finally set to be connected with India’s railway network as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first train from Katra to Baramulla on April 19. This will mark a historic moment for the region.
Currently, the Kashmir Valley has a railway track from Banihal to Baramulla, passing through Srinagar. However, it is not linked to the rest of India due to the missing Banihal-Katra section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The train service will be flagged off from Katra railway station in Jammu, fulfilling a long-awaited dream of direct rail connectivity for Kashmir. After the event, PM Modi is expected to address a rally in Katra, which is a popular stop for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are likely to accompany him.
Trial runs on the Katra-Baramulla route have been successfully completed. Initially, only one train will operate, and more may be added based on demand. Due to security concerns, passengers will have to switch trains at Katra.
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