The long-awaited moment of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train will finally arrive on April 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the first train to the Valley from Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine. The inauguration will take place in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among other dignitaries.

This marks the end of decades of anticipation for direct train connectivity to Kashmir. At present, train services operate only between Sangaldan and Baramulla and from various parts of the country up to Katra. With successful trial runs and all safety and security clearances in place, PM Modi has given his nod to flag off the first train to Kashmir.

PM’s Visit and Inauguration Schedule

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi will land at Udhampur Army Airport in the morning of April 19 and then proceed to the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district. He will inspect the bridge, which is considered an engineering marvel globally. Senior railway officials will brief him about its construction and significance.

Following this, the Prime Minister will reach Katra to flag off the historic train. After the inauguration, he will address a public rally in the holy town before returning to New Delhi via Udhampur Army Airport.

Train Route and Future Expansion

Initially, the train will run between Katra and Baramulla, but once expansion work at Jammu Railway Station is completed, the service will operate from Jammu to Baramulla, likely starting July-August.

For now, there will be no direct train from Delhi or other cities to Kashmir. Passengers will have to de-board at Katra and switch trains to reach the Valley. Later, this transition will take place at Jammu instead of Katra.

Security Arrangements and Trials

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently reviewed security arrangements for the train launch. The Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) also assessed the situation at Katra.

Several successful trial runs, including that of Vande Bharat, have already been conducted. Security concerns have been addressed, ensuring a safe and smooth journey for passengers.

Project Timeline and Cost

The 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has been under development for years, with various sections commissioned in phases:

• Qazigund-Baramulla (118 km) – October 2009

• Banihal-Qazigund (18 km) – June 2013

• Udhampur-Katra (25 km) – July 2014

• Banihal-Sangaldan (48.1 km) – February 2024

The remaining 17-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra was completed three months ago, allowing for final trials, including Vande Bharat. The entire project has cost around ₹41,000 crore.

On January 4, 2025, a successful trial run of an electric train was conducted on the Katra-Banihal section, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Vande Bharat Express for Kashmir

Kashmir will receive a new specially designed Vande Bharat Express Train, connecting Katra and Srinagar. This will be the third such train in Jammu and Kashmir.

Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, the train is equipped with anti-freezing technology, allowing it to function smoothly in extreme cold conditions, as low as -20°C. It features an advanced heating system to ensure passenger comfort.

For safety and security, the train is equipped with CCTV cameras, Emergency Talk Back Units, and shatterproof windows. However, it does not have bulletproof glass.

With this new development, train connectivity to Kashmir is set to become a reality, boosting travel, tourism, and economic activities in the region

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the ‘J&K Cultural Festival’ organized by Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan Trust at Baba Jitto Auditorium, SKUAST Jammu. The grand event was also graced by Acharya Mahamandleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor commended the efforts of Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan Trust and all associated members for their relentless work in preserving and promoting the cultural values and linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that organizations and individuals must step forward to propagate India’s timeless wisdom and value systems to foster a more harmonious and enlightened society.

Preserving Ancient Heritage

“Our ancient civilization has profoundly influenced humanity through its rich cultural, intellectual, scientific, and spiritual contributions, shaping the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’,” said Sinha.

He emphasized the need to bring generations together to preserve, protect, and promote cultural heritage and disseminate the ancient wisdom of Indian civilization. He further urged religious organizations, civil society members, and the youth to focus on the preservation of natural, cultural, and living heritage.

Multidisciplinary Approach for Cultural Preservation

The Lieutenant Governor called for a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development that preserves cultural practices, folk arts, traditional crafts, and ancient knowledge systems. He also highlighted the indispensable role of scientists, artists, and spiritualists in realizing the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Promoting Sustainable Lifestyle

Encouraging the younger generation to be ambassadors of a sustainable lifestyle, Sinha urged them to spread awareness about their duties toward Mother Earth. He emphasized that collective efforts from all stakeholders are crucial for the preservation and promotion of India’s rich heritage.

Festival Highlights

The J&K Cultural Festival aimed at promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, religious traditions, and social unity. The event featured:

• Exhibitions of local handicrafts showcasing the artistic skills of Jammu & Kashmir’s artisans.
• Traditional cuisines representing the diverse flavors of the region.
• Enthralling folk dance performances celebrating cultural vibrancy.
• An exhibition highlighting the strength and technological advancements of the armed forces, inspiring youth to serve the nation.

Honoring Prominent Personalities

The festival also witnessed the felicitation of distinguished personalities from diverse fields. A special documentary film was showcased, and a book titled ‘Abhinandan Granth’, edited by Mahant Rohit Shastri, was released in honor of the Lieutenant Governor.

Distinguished Guests in Attendance

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu, Sham Lal Sharma, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary of Social Welfare, Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan Trust, senior officials, religious heads, and a large gathering of cultural enthusiasts.

The J&K Cultural Festival stood as a testimony to the region’s vibrant cultural identity and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its rich traditions for future generations.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring statehood, asserting that merely changing legislative wording will not alter J&K’s current status as a Union Territory.

Responding to concerns raised by People’s Conference MLA Sajjad Gani Lone and PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra over the use of ‘Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir’ in the GST bill, Abdullah emphasized that their focus remains on regaining statehood through parliamentary action.

“In our very first Cabinet meeting, we passed a resolution for statehood restoration and I personally handed it to the Prime Minister. We will not rest until J&K regains its statehood,” he said.

Sajjad Lone staged a walkout in protest, stating that passing the legislation would be an endorsement of J&K’s UT status. However, Abdullah dismissed these concerns, saying, “Whether we like it or not, we are a UT. Simply replacing words will not change reality. The real change will come when Parliament restores our statehood.”

The Assembly ultimately passed the bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017, bringing online money gaming, casinos, and horse racing under the 28% GST bracket, aligning J&K’s tax policy with the rest of India.

Amendments in GST Act: Key Changes for J&K

The amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir GST Act will bring several industries under new tax regulations:

• 28% GST on online money gaming, casinos, and horse racing.
• Previously: 18% GST on skill-based online games.
• New Rule: 28% GST on total value of gaming transactions.
• Alignment with national policies per the 50th GST Council meeting.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather clarified that these amendments ensure uniformity in taxation across India. PDP MLAs Fayyaz Mir and Waheed ur Rehman Parra raised objections but the bill was passed successfully.

Political Reactions

• Sajjad Lone (People’s Conference): “I don’t want to be part of legitimizing J&K’s UT status.”
• Waheed ur Rehman Parra (PDP): Objected to the wording of the bill.
• Omar Abdullah (CM): “We are a UT for now, but our fight for statehood continues.”