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| Flags off four additional train services between Banihal-Budgam-Baramulla | | Mufti Sayeed expresses hope about early completion of Katra-Banihal Railway Line | |  Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, July 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today exuded confidence that the completion of Katra-Banihal Railway Line will be an engineering marvel and the same will provide a vital all-weather link to Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Mufti said that improved rail connectivity in the state will lead to huge relief to the people who are suffering on account of frequent breakdown of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, especially in harsh winters. He said the unseasonal rains this year have also taken a heavy toll on NH 1-A with some portions, in particular between Ramban and Banihal.
The Chief Minister was speaking during the flagging off ceremony of four new train services here. With this, the total number of train services in Kashmir Valley has risen to 26. Mufti hailed the Indian Railways for launch of four new train services in the Valley.
Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhu, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh, Union Minister of State for Railways, Manoj Sinha, Minister for Revenue, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Minister for Transport, A. G. Kohli, Minister of State for Revenue & Public Works, Sunil Kumar Sharma, MP. Shamsher Singh Manhas, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas and Chairman, Railway Board, A. K. Mittal, besides several senior officers of the State Government and Indian Railways were present on the occasion.
Mufti said the linking of Jammu with Kashmir region by train was a fulfillment of a dream that seemed improbable some years ago. He said the project was a matter of great pride for which the Indian Railways had to overcome huge challenges. "Rail connectivity will change the lives of the people by promoting trade and tourism sectors," he said.
The Chief Minister urged the Union Railway Minister to give special attention to Kashmir Railway Project so that the people of Valley also take benefit of the cheapest mode of transport. He said that it is his dream to see Kashmir connected with other parts of the country through a well-laid out network of trains.
Referring to the positive impact the new train services will have on the state's tourism sector, Mufti said that improved rail network will bring in cost effective and ease of travel which will boost tourist arrivals to the valley. "For visitors, every train ride is a joy ride as the tracks traverse through the most beautiful parts of Kashmir valley," he added.
The Chief Minister said the railway network will facilitate smooth movement of fruits to the terminal markets and mandis in other parts of the country. He the fruit growers, who along with the Handicraft industry resuscitated the Kashmir economy during turbulent years, will get greater value of their produce and a level-playing field to market their crop because of railways.
"A dedicated rail network will unlock vast opportunities of employment for our youth in various sectors. I have been told that a few persons have been provided jobs in Indian Railways but many more whose land has been acquired should also be employed as they have lost their means of livelihood," said Mufti.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu described connectivity as the best indicator of development and railway as the best mode of connectivity. He assured that he will leave no stone unturned to see that Katra-Banhial Railway Line is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
"Kashmir has unique things like cuisine and handicrafts to offer and railways will provide a perfect platform to market these," said Suresh. Minister of State for Railways, Manoj Sinha in his address, said the frequency of train services will be increased in the near future for which additional coaches are being pressed into service.
It would be in place to mention here that work on very difficult Katra-Banihal Track, spanning around 111 km, is in progress and is expected to be completed in the next four years. The entire length envisages construction of tunnels, flyovers and under-bridges, with one Arch Bridge over river Chenab between Kouri and Bakal, being the highest in the world. |
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