New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw here and discussed measures to strengthen rail connectivity in the Union Territory, particularly during the scheduled closure of Srinagar airport in October for maintenance work.
Appreciating the quality of service and punctuality of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the chief minister also requested a stoppage of the train at south Kashmir’s Anantnag, an official press release informed.
“Chief Minister met Union Minister of Railways in New Delhi today and discussed issues related to the augmentation of rail services in Jammu and Kashmir.
“While appreciating the quality of service and punctuality of the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the Chief Minister requested a stoppage of the train at Anantnag and the augmentation of railway services to the Kashmir Valley, particularly during the scheduled closure of Srinagar airport in October for maintenance work,” the CM’s office said in a post on X.
The Srinagar International Airport is scheduled to be completely shut for a fortnight from October 1 to October 16 due to mandatory runway maintenance and repairs conducted by the Indian Air Force.
The chief minister emphasized that the closure coincides with one of the peak tourist seasons in the Valley and could impact the movement of tourists, pilgrims and local residents.
In this regard, Omar Abdullah urged the Railway Ministry to augment railway services to the Kashmir Valley, particularly by increasing the frequency of Vande Bharat trains during the period of airport closure and the associated flight restrictions. He said enhanced rail connectivity would provide a reliable alternative to air travel, ensure seamless movement of passengers and help sustain tourism and economic activity during the period.
The chief minister noted that improved rail services during the airport closure would benefit visitors arriving during the festive season, including Durga Puja holidays, besides facilitating the travel needs of residents and pilgrims.
It is pertinent to mention that on April 30 this year, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other dignitaries, flagged off the Vande Bharat Express service between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, establishing for the first time a direct rail link between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
