Thanks for actually connecting Jammu with Kashmir through rail: CM Omar to Centre

Jammu, Apr 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday thanked the central government and the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw for “actually connecting Jammu with Kashmir through rail” and described the occasion as a “realisation of a dream” for J&K people.

He was addressing the gathering during the event at Jammu Railway Station related to the flag-off ceremony marking the historic extension of Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express service to Jammu.

The extended train enabled for the first time a direct rail connection between Jammu and Srinagar.

After profusely praising the centre’s initiative vis-à-vis transformational Vande Bharat Express service in J&K, the Chief Minister also used the occasion to raise a demand for an inland dry port for J&K.

In his address prior to the flagging-off ceremony, CM Omar urged the Railway Minister to consider establishing an inland dry port in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated it was necessary for facilitating and streamlining export and custom clearance within the region to reduce logistics costs by eliminating the need to route goods through other cities.

“This will not only benefit our businesses but also contribute to the country’s overall economic growth,” he asserted.

CM Omar said though the matter was not related to the Minister for Railways directly yet he (Vaishnaw), using his influence, could help plead J&K’s cause at right quarters. “I will also raise this demand at the Centre myself,” he said.

The Chief Minister also asked Dr Jitendra and J&K MPs to give it (demand) a push at the Centre for the Union Territory.

Notably a couple of days ago, CM Omar, while responding to a question about the prospects of direct Jammu-Srinagar rail service, had stated, “Increase in train capacity and frequency is what we want. There are a couple of things or points which I want to share but that I’ll convey on April 30 in front of the (Railway) Minister.”

The extended train service was flagged off by the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw joined by the Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sat Sharma and Gulam Ali Khatana too were present on the occasion along with other dignitaries.

Regular run of the extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express will commence from May 2, 2026.

The Chief Minister stated that Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year had emerged as a very popular mode of transport.

“In particular, freight trains to Kashmir are playing a significant role in boosting its economy and facilitating the business community and horticulture sector,” he said.

He described the occasion as “a day long awaited by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasising that the extension of the Vande Bharat Express to Jammu marks not just improved connectivity, but the beginning of a transformative phase in the region’s development.

While extending “greetings and gratitude of people of J&K” to the Centre and the Minister for Railways for ensuring direct rail connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu, CM Omar recalled the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, including the iconic Chenab Railway bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, nearly ten months ago by the Prime Minister.

Referring to cent per cent occupancy of Vande Bharat Express service, he, in a lighter note, pointed out, “What was once seen as a major engineering feat has now evolved into a highly popular and widely utilised mode of transport. We had never realised that even to get a single ticket, we will have to look for “right contacts” because it is not available so easily due to 100 percent occupancy.”

Highlighting the overwhelming response to the technologically advanced rail service, he said, “The demand has grown so significantly that the train’s capacity has been expanded from 8 coaches to 20 coaches, increasing passenger capacity from around 500 to nearly 1,400 in a single journey. With two such trains operating, nearly 2,800 passengers will now be able to travel daily between Jammu and Srinagar, significantly easing travel and enhancing convenience.”

The Chief Minister pointed out that the success of the service was not merely in passenger travel. Underlining its growing role in freight movement, he said that the rail network had already begun facilitating the transportation of goods, including cement, food supplies and vehicles, into the valley.

“I was amazed to find that automobiles are now being transported directly to Srinagar by rail, marking a significant logistical breakthrough. Equally important is the outbound movement of goods from Jammu and Kashmir. Our fruits, milk and dairy products are now reaching markets outside J&K efficiently through this rail network,” he said.

CM Omar stressed that the enhanced connectivity would strengthen local industries and open new economic avenues for farmers and producers.

Calling the day historic, the Chief Minister said that for the first time, people of Jammu and Kashmir could seamlessly travel between Jammu and Srinagar by train, reducing dependence on road transport and significantly improving accessibility. “We had been waiting for this day for years. With this rail link, Jammu and Kashmir is more connected than ever before,” he maintained.