Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 30 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday welcomed the launch of direct rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, calling it the “realisation of a dream” for the region, while urging the federal government to consider setting up an inland dry port.

Speaking at Jammu Railway Station during a ceremony to mark the extension of the Vande Bharat Express to Jammu, Abdullah thanked the central government and railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for “actually connecting Jammu with Kashmir through rail”.

The expanded service enables, for the first time, direct train travel between Jammu and Srinagar. Regular operations are set to begin on May 2.

The train was flagged off by Vaishnaw in the presence of junior minister Jitendra Singh and lawmakers including Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sat Paul Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana.

Abdullah said the improved connectivity marked the start of a “transformative phase” for the region, citing strong demand for the service and full occupancy on earlier runs. The train’s capacity has been expanded from eight to 20 coaches, raising passenger capacity to about 1,400 per trip, he said.

With two such trains operating, nearly 2,800 passengers will be able to travel daily between Jammu and Srinagar, easing congestion and improving convenience, he added.

The CM also highlighted the growing role of rail in freight movement, including the transport of cement, food supplies and vehicles into Kashmir, as well as outbound shipments of fruit and dairy products to markets across India.

Abdullah urged the government to establish an inland dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to streamline exports and customs clearance, saying it would reduce logistics costs by limiting the need to route goods through other cities.

“This will not only benefit our businesses but also contribute to the country’s overall economic growth,” he said, adding he would raise the issue with federal authorities.

Abdullah also recalled the inauguration of major infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing connectivity in the region.

Calling the development historic, he said the rail link would reduce dependence on road transport and improve access across Jammu and Kashmir.