SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling what he described as a long-standing dream, even envisaged during British rule — connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by rail.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, Abdullah said, “Even the Britishers dreamt of linking Kashmir through rail, but it is Prime Minister Modi who has made it a reality.” He extended his congratulations and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for completing the monumental task.
He also acknowledged former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s contribution, recalling that Vajpayee had designated the USBRL as a ‘project of national importance’, laying the groundwork for the present achievement.
Highlighting the impact of the rail link, Abdullah noted that it would bring substantial relief to both tourists and local residents. “Whenever the weather leads to road blockades, airfares skyrocket. This railway connection will now offer a stable and affordable alternative for travel,” he said.
The USBRL project, involving challenging Himalayan terrain, includes the newly inaugurated Chenab and Anji Khad bridges. It aims to provide all-weather, seamless connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
