Jammu, Aug 28: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Friday said that the third Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar will be launched soon, terming it a major development for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a video message, Singh said that the Ministry of Railways has also approved a halt at Udhampur following a demand raised by the public.
He said the approval for the Udhampur halt was particularly significant as it was earlier believed that a stop there would not be feasible. Singh also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Minister for the development.
Reflecting on the expansion of the railway network in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said that when the Jammu railway station was established in 1972, it took nearly five decades for the railway network to advance further into the region.
He said the expansion gained momentum after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, with railway connectivity extended to Kathua and subsequently to Udhampur and the Kashmir Valley.
Singh further said that railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley was once considered difficult because of the mountainous terrain, but the project was completed despite several challenges.
He also highlighted the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi as a major engineering achievement. He said the railway journey has also emerged as an attraction for tourists, with many visitors travelling by train from Jammu to Srinagar to experience the scenic beauty along the route.
