JAMMU, June 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the first-ever Vande Bharat high-speed train service to Kashmir this week, in what is being seen as a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure and connectivity development.
Two Vande Bharat trains—India’s indigenously built semi-high-speed trains—have already been stationed in preparation for the event: one at Katra in Jammu region and another at Srinagar, officials confirmed.
“We are fully prepared for the inauguration of the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir by Prime Minister Modi this week,” said Jugal Kishore Sharma, Station Master at Katra.
“We have not yet received official communication regarding whether the Prime Minister will flag off the train from Katra or Srinagar. However, our preparations are complete for either scenario.”
Comprehensive security arrangements are in place ahead of the inauguration, with multiple agencies involved in ensuring a smooth and secure event. The Railways has also ensured operational readiness at both terminals.
This will mark the first Vande Bharat service to Kashmir and is expected to significantly enhance travel time and convenience between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. Originally scheduled for inauguration last month, the launch was postponed due to unspecified reasons.
The visit also assumes added significance as it comes shortly after the successful completion of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on May 22 by terrorists. The incident drew widespread condemnation and prompted swift security operations by Indian forces.
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Operation Sindoor.
Earlier, there were indications that the Prime Minister might visit Jammu on June 2, but the schedule was later revised. Officials now confirm that the visit and the train inauguration will take place within the first week of June.
