Will Farooq Abdullah's Journey on Kashmir's Vande Bharat Train Enhance Tourism?

Srinagar, June 10 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and president of the National Conference (NC), Dr. Farooq Abdullah, expressed on Tuesday that the newly inaugurated train service to Kashmir Valley is set to significantly enhance tourism and invigorate the local economy.

Dr. Abdullah made these remarks after boarding the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar to Katra.

Prior to his journey, he shared with reporters, “I am incredibly pleased to be traveling on this train to Katra today. This has been an immense advantage for us.”

He emphasized that the train service creates a vital connection between Kashmir and the rest of India, which will not only promote tourism but also uplift the local economy.

“This serves as a dependable transport link for the residents of the Valley. The road between Srinagar and Jammu is sometimes blocked, leading airlines to exploit the situation by raising prices. This train will shield people from that inconvenience. It will also be a boon for the horticulture sector in Kashmir, as products can reach markets more swiftly,” he stated.

Upon arriving in Katra, he expressed his joy, stating, "I’m overwhelmed with happiness; I could hardly hold back my tears. Has the day finally arrived when I can travel from Kashmir to the rest of India by train?... I extend my congratulations to all the workers and engineers who constructed the highest railway bridge in India..."

Accompanying him were several party members who joined him on this journey from Srinagar to Katra in the Reasi district of Jammu division.

The Vande Bharat train service, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, connects Katra and Srinagar in just three hours.

This dream railway link, comprising 37 tunnels and numerous bridges, includes the Chenab Railway Bridge, which stands as the world’s tallest railway bridge, towering 35 meters above the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Additionally, the railway link features the Anji cable-stayed railway bridge, recognized as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.

The Vande Bharat train has been uniquely designed for the region's climate and landscape, delivering a modern travel experience with rapid acceleration, a maximum speed of 160 km/hr, and an array of amenities.

These amenities include comfortable seating, mobile charging ports, onboard dining, and advanced safety features.

Safety measures incorporate KAVACH signaling technology, CCTV cameras in every coach, emergency push buttons, communication units, fire extinguishers, and aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems.

The train boasts fully sealed gangways, automatic plug doors, reclining ergonomic seats, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-operated water taps, and a passenger information system.

Onboard dining features a mini pantry equipped with a hot case, bottle cooler, deep freezer, and hot water boiler.

Specific facilities for Divyangjan (physically challenged) passengers include a dedicated lavatory, emergency openable windows, and disaster lights for emergencies.

The Executive Class offers revolving seats and premium seating with additional leg space.

With direct and diffused lighting for a comfortable atmosphere, the train also provides Wi-Fi, smoke alarms, an odour control system, and a coach condition monitoring system.