Jammu

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said the government is prioritising new rail links to connect the Poonch-Rajouri region and the border town of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir with the national railway network.

Speaking after flagging off the first direct Vande Bharat Express between Srinagar and Jammu, Vaishnaw noted that detailed project reports for both proposed routes have already been prepared. He added that efforts will now focus on initiating work on these projects at the earliest.

Describing the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat service as a transformative development, the minister said it has emerged as a crucial transport link for the Union Territory. He recalled that the service was inaugurated last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between Katra and Kashmir and has since witnessed overwhelming demand, with trains running at full capacity.

To meet this demand, the train’s composition has been expanded from eight to 20 coaches, significantly increasing passenger capacity. Vaishnaw said the service has not only improved travel but also strengthened the movement of goods, including construction materials and vehicles.

He highlighted that the improved connectivity has had a positive economic impact, noting a reported drop in cement prices and the large-scale transportation of agricultural produce. According to him, nearly 20,000 tonnes of apples and other fruits have been shipped to different parts of the country via the rail network.

The minister also emphasised the train’s ability to operate in extreme weather conditions. Designed to function even in temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, the service continued uninterrupted despite heavy snowfall during the previous winter, he said.

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Vaishnaw pointed out that this marks one of the first instances of a train operating at such high altitudes, underlining the technological advancements incorporated into the service. He added that the enhanced connectivity will further ease the transport of goods and passengers, benefiting both trade and daily travel in the region.