CM Omar Abdullah thanks PM Modi for Fulfilling Historic Dream of Kashmir Rail Link
Katra, June 5 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflected on the historic moment of inaugurating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), calling it a dream come true for the region.
Addressing a massive gathering during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Katra on Friday Omar said, “By the grace of God, I’ve had the privilege of being present at the inauguration of every major railway milestone in Jammu and Kashmir — from Anantnag to the Banihal rail tunnel — during my previous tenure as Chief Minister.”
Recalling a symbolic coincidence from 2014, the Chief Minister noted, “Interestingly, the last public event of my government was held right here in Katra. That day, four of us stood together, and today, a decade later, the same four faces are here with you again, Prime Minister — myself, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who still serves as MoS in the PMO, and Manoj Sinha Ji, who was then MoS for Railways and is now the Lieutenant Governor of J&K.”
He added in a lighter vein, “It seems Mata Vaishno Devi blessed Manoj Sinha Ji with a promotion. I, on the other hand, was once the Chief Minister of a state and now serve as the Chief Minister of a Union Territory. But I believe this won’t last long. Under your leadership, Prime Minister, I am hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir will soon regain its rightful status as a state.”
Reflecting on the historic significance of the railway project, Omar remarked, “This line was the dream of many. Even the British had planned to connect Kashmir via railway along the Jhelum, but they couldn’t do it. What they couldn’t achieve has now been completed by you.”
He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying, “It would be wrong not to thank Atal Ji today. Though the project’s foundation was laid in the 1980s, it was Vajpayee Sahib who declared it a ‘Project of National Importance’ and ensured budgetary allocations that paved the way for its completion.”
The Chief Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the rail link, saying, “This project will revolutionize transportation, boost tourism, and provide immense relief to our people. When the highway closes due to rain, airlines hike fares mercilessly. Now, with rail connectivity, that exploitation will come to an end.”
“Our horticulture sector — apples, cherries, dry fruits — will now reach national and international markets efficiently,” he said, emphasizing the economic impact.
Omar concluded by acknowledging the broader infrastructure push in the Union Territory: “Projects like the Jammu and Srinagar Ring Roads, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-lane Jammu-Srinagar highway, airport expansions, and railway development are being completed swiftly. These are key to building a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir for a Viksit Bharat. I extend heartfelt thanks to you, Prime Minister, on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”(KINS)
