CM Omar Calls for Inland Port in Jammu Kashmir at Vande Bharat Flag-Off Ceremony | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday thanked Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Centre for extending Vande Bharat train services between Jammu and Srinagar, while also urging the establishment of a dry (inland) port in the Union Territory to strengthen trade and export facilities.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the Vande Bharat train at Jammu railway station, Abdullah said the rail link connecting Jammu with Kashmir marks a major achievement and expressed gratitude to the Centre on behalf of the people of the Union Territory.

Highlighting its economic impact, the Chief Minister said the new rail connectivity is not only facilitating passenger movement but also significantly improving freight transport. He noted that goods such as cement, automobiles, and agricultural produce are now being moved by rail, boosting trade activity in the region.

Abdullah said he was particularly encouraged to see Maruti cars being transported to Srinagar and fruits from Kashmir being sent through rail, calling it a positive development for business and logistics.

He also reiterated his demand for a dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to simplify customs procedures and reduce dependence on other cities for clearance of export goods. He said such a facility would allow customs processing within the Union Territory itself, thereby benefiting local trade and industry.

The Chief Minister said he would take up the matter with the Central Government and urged Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitendra Singh, along with local MPs, to support the proposal. He described the establishment of an inland port as “highly beneficial” for the region’s economic growth.

Referring to the long-awaited rail connectivity, Abdullah said people had been waiting for decades to travel by train between Jammu and Srinagar, adding that the service has now eliminated the need for road travel via Katra.

He also noted the growing popularity of the Vande Bharat service, saying demand had exceeded expectations. He pointed out that the train capacity has been increased from eight to 20 coaches, raising passenger capacity from around 500 to approximately 1,400 per trip.