SRINAGAR: The inauguration of the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat rail link has been welcomed as a transformative step for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, with the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union hailing it as a “historic and long-awaited milestone” that will change the course of regional trade, travel, and connectivity.
Representing fruit grower associations across Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama and other horticultural hubs of the Valley, the Union described the rail link as a “bridge of opportunity” that will dramatically cut travel time, provide all-weather connectivity and offer a safe and economical mode of transportation not only for local commuters but also for tourists and traders.
“The new railway segment is more than infrastructure—it is an artery of commerce and mobility,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union and President of The New Kashmir Fruit Association. “With this link, we see the possibility of Kashmir finally realising its full potential as a horticulture powerhouse. It will become the lifeline of our economy, especially during the off-season months when our produce still needs a fast, reliable route to markets.”
The Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India’s railway network through a high-speed route that passes through the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Services are scheduled to begin on June 7.
The Fruit Growers Union expressed hope that this development will lead to enhanced accessibility for tourists and traders from across India and will help ease congestion on Kashmir’s roads, particularly on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which remains vulnerable to frequent weather-related disruptions.
The Union also urged the government to take the next step by introducing direct railway connectivity between Delhi and Srinagar and simultaneously launching a dedicated goods train service to the Valley. “This would revolutionise horticulture trade, reduce transport costs, minimise damages to perishable produce and enhance logistics,” the statement said. “It would also open more economic opportunities for the Indian Railways, while boosting employment and trade volumes in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Calling the rail link a symbol of hope and progress, the Union extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating that the moment marked a turning point not just for infrastructure but for economic empowerment across the Union Territory.
“The vision of connecting Kashmir by rail is no longer a dream, it is a moving train of prosperity,” said Basheer.
