Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service to boost tourism, says Omar Abdullah
Jammu, Apr 27 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the extension of the Vande Bharat Express service up to Jammu will significantly boost tourism and improve connectivity across the Union Territory.
Officials said the specially designed Vande Bharat Express will start operating between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar from April 30, marking a major step in strengthening rail connectivity between the twin capitals.
Welcoming the development, Omar Abdullah said the move will help address earlier capacity constraints and allow more passengers to travel. “So far, only an eight-coach train was operating between Katra and Srinagar. Now, with a twenty-coach train, more passengers will be able to use the service, which will definitely benefit tourism,” he said.
He added that the government is keen to see further expansion in both the frequency and capacity of train services in the region. The Chief Minister said any suggestions or issues regarding the service would be taken up during the official launch event scheduled for April 30.
Speaking on the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the region is working to catch up with other states that began their initiatives earlier. He noted that the startup policy introduced in 2024 has laid a strong foundation, supported by budgetary provisions for growth and funding.
“We are building a supportive ecosystem for startups and learning from the experiences of other states,” he said, adding that an incubation centre will be established this year at the Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu, following a recent demand.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the new School of Architecture building at the college, aimed at strengthening technical education infrastructure and enhancing learning opportunities for students.(KINS)
