‘Jammu-Srinagar train beginning of transformative phase’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Conveying gratitude to Central Government for extending Vande Bharat train services between Jammu and Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today demanded setting up an inland dry port for the Union Territory to boost trade and business.
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Addressing a gathering during the flagging-off of the Vande Bharat train from the Jammu Railway Station, he described the occasion as a day long awaited by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized that the extension of the Vande Bharat Express to Jammu marks not just improved connectivity , but the beginning of a transformative phase in the region’s development.
“I want to congratulate and thank Ashwini Vaishnaw and, through him, the Central Government, on behalf of the people of J&K, for connecting Jammu with Kashmir through rail,” he said and highlighted the overwhelming response to the rail service not merely in passenger travel, but also in freight movement.
In a forward looking appeal, the Chief Minister appealed the Railways Minister to consider establishing an inland dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to ease customs clearance for exporting goods from the Union Territory.
“I have a request for the Railways Minister, even as it does not pertain to his ministry, but since he has the goodwill, he can use that. I request that an inland port be set up in J&K. There is an urgent need for a dry port here so that we do not require customs clearance in other cities for our goods, which we want to export from here. The customs clearance should take place here in J&K, it will benefit our trade and business,” the CM added.
Omar said that while he would raise the issue with the Central Government, he appealed to the Union Ministers, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dr Jitendra Singh, and both the MPs present there to take up the matter with the Centre as the dry port here will not only businessmen of J&K, but also contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.
Talking about the significance of the railway connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu, the Chief Minister said he had never expected the railway line to become so popular that he would have to seek favours to reserve seats on the train.
Highlighting the overwhelming response to the rail service, Omar said the demand has grown so significantly that the train’s capacity has been expanded from 8 coaches to 20 coaches, increasing passenger capacity from around 500 to nearly 1,400 in a single journey.
“The success of this railway is not merely in passenger travel,” the Chief Minister remarked, underlining its growing role in freight movement. He pointed out that the rail network has already begun facilitating the transportation of goods, including cement, food supplies and vehicles, into the Valley. Notably, automobiles are now being transported directly to Srinagar by rail, marking a significant logistical breakthrough, he added.
Equally important, he added, is the outbound movement of goods from Jammu and Kashmir. “Our fruits, milk and dairy products are now reaching markets outside J&K efficiently through this rail network,” he said, stressing that this enhanced connectivity will strengthen local industries and open new economic avenues for farmers and producers.
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