What Are Katra Residents Expecting from PM Modi’s Visit and the Vande Bharat Trains?

Katra, June 4 (NationPress) The atmosphere in Katra, a town in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is filled with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the world’s tallest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and launch the Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra to Srinagar this Friday.

This landmark occasion signifies the culmination of a long-awaited railway initiative aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India — a project that has been in the works for over four decades.

In discussions with local residents, IANS learned that there is a collective sense of hope and appreciation for the economic and social upliftment that this railway connectivity is projected to bring to the area.

“Our dream of having a train service in Katra is finally coming true. This will significantly enhance tourism and create job opportunities. The new train service will make travel between Katra and Kashmir more accessible and affordable, especially during peak summer seasons when airfare tends to be exorbitant,” remarked a local resident.

Namita, another member of the community, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled that PM Modi will be launching the Vande Bharat trains. His efforts to improve our infrastructure and support us during challenging times, such as after the Pahalgam terror attack, have been invaluable.”

Business owner Ajit Singh shared insights on the preparations underway for the Prime Minister’s arrival.

“We are eager to welcome PM Modi. The introduction of the Vande Bharat trains will undoubtedly create jobs and enhance our daily routines,” he noted.

Nikhil, another resident, echoed these sentiments.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to PM Modi. These trains will boost tourism, generate employment, and improve travel comfort. This is a significant milestone for Katra,” he conveyed to IANS.

This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to J&K following ‘Operation Sindoor’—India’s precise military response to terror camps in Pakistan executed on May 7 after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, predominantly tourists.

The launch of the train service, initially planned for April 19, faced delays due to adverse weather conditions, and was just three days before the unfortunate Pahalgam incident.

PM Modi’s visit comes on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent two-day visit to the region, during which he assessed security measures and met with victims of cross-border shelling in Poonch.