Srinagar, Mar 30: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat train from Katra on April 19, as the Jammu railway station is currently undergoing renovation.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the families of Jaswant Singh and Balwinder Singh, two policemen martyred during an encounter in Kathua district, Dr Jitendra said that the train is originally intended to run between Jammu and Srinagar but will temporarily operate from Katra until the renovation work is completed.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat train from Katra on April 19 and will also review the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge.
He also said some people have raised concerns about why the train is being inaugurated from Katra instead of Jammu. However, he clarified that the train is meant to run between Jammu and Srinagar, but due to the ongoing renovation work at Jammu railway station, it will temporarily operate from Katra to Srinagar.
He further said many trains have been halted due to the renovation, and once the work is completed by August, the Vande Bharat train will begin its journey from Jammu as originally planned.
Dr Jitendra said that this development marks a historic moment as Kashmir Valley is now being connected to the rest of the country by rail. He recalled that while the railway had reached Jammu in 1972, it took 50 years and the leadership of Prime Minister Modi to finally connect Kashmir with the rail network.
He said this is not just a significant achievement for the country but a globally important event, highlighting India’s progress in railway infrastructure.
Dr Jitendra also assured government jobs and financial assistance for the families of Special Grade Constables (SGCT) Balvinder Singh and Jaswant Singh, who lost their lives in the recent Kathua attack.
During his visit to the residence of SGCT Balvinder Singh, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that both families have a history of serving the nation, and the government has a responsibility to support them.
He mentioned that discussions have been held with the authorities to provide government jobs to the families.
The government will also offer financial aid and set up memorials to honor the sacrifices of the two martyrs, he added.
He said that the government is committed to stand by the families of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
