PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Second Vande Bharat Express from Katra, Unveils Rail Development Projects Worth Rs 41,000 Crore in Jammu & Kashmir
In a momentous development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the second Vande Bharat Express connecting the revered city of Katra with New Delhi. This marks a significant milestone, with Katra becoming one of the first cities in India to boast two Vande Bharat Express trains.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh attended the inauguration ceremony at Katra railway station. The event, flagged off from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies the Prime Minister’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and development in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the unprecedented rail projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir, amounting to a staggering Rs 41,000 crore. This remarkable investment distinguishes Jammu and Kashmir as the only Union Territory or State in the country to receive such substantial funding for rail infrastructure. Additionally, more than Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir in the Union Budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored Prime Minister Modi’s special focus on the region’s development since taking office. He emphasized the significance of the Prime Minister inaugurating the Katra Railway station, completed in 2013, reflecting the special place Katra holds in Shri Modi’s heart.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for connecting previously unlinked areas for the country’s comprehensive development. Today’s flagging off of the Vande Bharat Express serves as Prime Minister Modi’s New Year gift to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Katra. The Minister praised the Prime Minister for addressing the region’s shortcomings over the last 50 years, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s development.
The Minister affirmed that the extensive rail connectivity in J&K is a testament to the changing face of the Union Territory, playing a crucial role in its progress. He pointed out that the region, witnessing over two crore tourists and over a crore pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, exemplifies the positive impact of enhanced connectivity.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by expressing the critical importance of Jammu and Kashmir in achieving Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, emphasizing the government’s dedication to reaching every citizen with essential services and transforming the region into a hub of development.
