JAMMU, Apr 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday thanked Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Centre for launching Vande Bharat train services between Jammu and Srinagar, while demanding an inland dry port for the union territory to supercharge trade.
Speaking at the train’s flag-off from Jammu railway station, Abdullah hailed the connectivity as a game-changer. “On behalf of J&K’s people, I congratulate Vaishnaw and the Centre for linking Jammu and Kashmir by rail,” he said. He noted its trade potential, citing rail transport of cement, Maruti cars to Srinagar, and Kashmir fruits—eliminating road hassles via Katra.
Abdullah appealed directly to Vaishnaw: “Set up a dry port in J&K for local customs clearance on exports. No more sending goods elsewhere—this will explode our business.” He urged union ministers Vaishnaw, Jitendra Singh, and local MPs to champion the idea with the Centre.
The CM marveled at the train’s popularity, upgraded from 8 to 20 bogies (500 to 1,400 passengers). “We’ve waited years for this—now it’s a hit, and I even pull strings for seats!”
