SRINAGAR: A high-level delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav in New Delhi today, urging him to address key railway infrastructure issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation sought the resumption of train halts at the stations of Samba, Ghagwal, Hiranagar, and Manwal, emphasising their strategic importance.
The team, led by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh, included Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia. They also called for the expansion of the platform at Samba Railway Station and the swift completion of the Gurah Slathia flyover to cater to the growing needs of passengers and provide essential amenities.
In a memorandum submitted to the Railway Minister, Slathia pointed out that before the COVID-19 pandemic, trains were regularly halted at the Samba and Ghagwal stations due to the significant number of passengers boarding and deboarding. This practice, he noted, was discontinued without explanation, causing considerable inconvenience to travellers, particularly given the industrial significance of the region.
Slathia highlighted the urgent need for an expanded platform at Samba to enhance the passenger experience. He stressed that with the Railways embarking on a nationwide modernisation drive, facilities in Samba should be prioritised as part of this effort.
Discussing the Gurah Slathia flyover project, Slathia urged the Railway Minister to expedite the remaining work, underscoring its potential to benefit the local population significantly.
The Union Railway Minister reportedly appreciated the concerns raised and assured the delegation that the issues would be promptly examined for resolution.
