New Delhi: Celebrating the inauguration of Kashmir’s new rail link as a landmark achievement, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said the connectivity will spur trade, boost tourism, and open new economic opportunities in the region.
Speaking on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, Murmu called the project an engineering marvel and a historic milestone for the nation.
“The Railways has introduced innovative trains and coaches equipped with cutting-edge technology. The inauguration of the rail link in the Kashmir Valley is a significant accomplishment. This connectivity will enhance trade and tourism and unlock new economic possibilities. It is truly a historic milestone for our country,” she said.
In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, along with the Anji Khad bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. He also flagged off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), providing direct train connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
The first freight train arrived in the Valley on Saturday as Northern Railway opened its Anantnag goods shed under the USBRL project, facilitating smooth movement of goods.
The president noted that business leaders, SMEs, and traders have consistently shown a proactive spirit, but emphasized the importance of removing obstacles to wealth creation.
“This is particularly evident in infrastructure development over the past decade. Under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, we have expanded and strengthened the national highway network,” Murmu said.
