PM Modi flags off new train for Vaishno Devi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated Vaishno Devi Express, a new rail link to Katra. The Prime Minister has suggested a new name ‘Shreeshakti Express’ for this train.

   The 25 km long Udhapmur-Katra rail link is a part of the greater 292 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line which would help connecting Kashmir with the rest of India.

This Railway line would help millions of the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi to reach Katra directly.

Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Modi said, “Today is an auspicious day. The Amarnath Yatra is on, it is the Ramzaan month and then this train is being started at Vaisno Devi. This is a facility not only for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also for the people of India, who want to visit the state.”

“I have come here to Mata Vaishno Devi. I remember I began election campaign from here and today we begin our development journey from here,” Modi said.

“Development of J&K is the desire of all Indians and the government will do everything to achieve it,” Modi said.

He has also indicated private investment in the railway projects.

“I have held a detailed meeting with Railway officials, soon you will find the change. Even private players will be willing to invest. I assure people of India that we will make our railway stations modern with proper facilities,” Modi said.

“The journey begun by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be taken ahead by us. Our aim is to win hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through development,” he concluded.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the rail link will boost tourism in the state.

“The realisation of this rail line will boost tourism in the region. We should aim to increase the reach of this line to other parts of Jammu. I assure the people of Katra that this rail will prove to be benficial for them,” Omar said.

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