Srinagar: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday criticised reports that train passengers travelling to and from Kashmir are required to mandatorily deboard at Katra due to security concerns, calling the move a “needless inconvenience” to the people.
The party described the decision as an unnecessary burden on the people of the valley and said it further exacerbates their hardships.
PDP general secretary Mohammad Khurshid Alam criticised the measure, stating that it undermines the much-touted promise of convenience for Kashmiris.
“For years, we were told that train services to Kashmir would benefit the common masses and ease travel. This latest directive shows that Kashmiris are still far from experiencing any real travel convenience. The train services, which were inaugurated amid great fanfare, are turning out to be nothing more than a facade,” Alam said.
He described the arrangement as an additional burden on travellers, particularly the elderly and those travelling for medical treatment.
“This decision subjects ordinary people to unnecessary hardships. Security concerns should not be used as an excuse. Adequate checks can be conducted at the start of the journey. Forcing passengers to de-board midway and board another train in the name of security is both humiliating and impractical,” the PDP leader added.
Jammu & Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also said that the upcoming Srinagar-Delhi train service should operate directly without requiring passengers to switch trains at Katra Railway Station.
Bukhari in a statement said, “I came across some disturbing news reports suggesting that the authorities have decided passengers on the proposed Srinagar-Delhi train will have to stop at the Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra to change trains and continue their journey.”
“All passengers traveling to New Delhi from Srinagar or vice versa will have to get off at Katra station, leave the station, re-enter, and rescan their luggage at the departure lounge before boarding another train to continue their journey. This arrangement would be troubling and humiliating for the passengers,” he added.
He said that rail authorities must employ alternative measures to ensure safety and security.
“To address security concerns, the railway authorities should use other measures to ensure complete security, instead of making passengers suffer by forcing them to change trains at Katra station,” he said.
He added that “Amid much hype, people believed that the first-ever Srinagar-Delhi train service would be fast, seamless, and comfortable, and, above all, a direct train service. However, this is now being turned into a hectic and uncomfortable journey for passengers by requiring them to change trains midway”.
