Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the Vande Bharat train, which is set to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow, will bring significant benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, CM Omar noted that the Vande Bharat project has been long-awaited. “The project dates back to when I was in Class 7. It has taken years, but now it’s finally set to benefit us all,” he said.
He emphasized that the new train service will reduce dependence on road travel, especially during highway closures. “With Vande Bharat operational, highway blockades will have minimal impact. People have been charged ₹20,000 for an airline ticket that normally costs ₹5,000 when roads are shut. This ends that exploitation.”
CM Omar also highlighted the train’s achievements so far, mentioning that it has already run on the Chenab Bridge—the world’s tallest railway bridge—and the Anji Bridge, the country’s longest railway bridge.
Today, CM Omar and Union Minister Jitendra Singh inspected Katra railway station and the Vande Bharat train ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration by PM Modi. (DD)