National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah announced that the much-anticipated Katra-Sangaldan train service to Kashmir is expected to face a delay of a few months. Speaking at a party event, Abdullah said that the train is likely to begin operations in April 2025, aligning with the start of the tourism season.
“I heard the train (to Kashmir) will face a two-month delay due to incomplete works. Those are being addressed, and they will launch the train service in April,” he stated. Abdullah added that he was initially preparing to travel to Srinagar on January 25 aboard the train.
Railway Updates and Trial Runs
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, launched in 1997 to connect Kashmir with the rest of India, was announced as complete in December 2024 by the Railway Ministry. Trial runs have been conducted across various sections, including the Katra-Srinagar track, with a statutory inspection conducted by Commissioner of Railway Safety Dinesh Chand Deshwal.
Despite these milestones, the delay indicates additional work is required before the train becomes operational.
Abdullah on Article 370, Statehood, and BJP Policies
In response to political criticism, Abdullah defended the National Conference (NC) while calling for self-reflection from rival parties. Addressing allegations that the NC shifted its focus from Article 370 restoration to statehood, Abdullah said, “The PDP must introspect. They are responsible for the revocation of Article 370. We warned Mufti Mohammad Sayeed not to ally with the BJP for government formation, but they ignored us.”
On the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “It will happen when it is acceptable to the Almighty.”
Kashmiri Pandit Rehabilitation and Job Promises
Marking 35 years since the exile of Kashmiri Pandits on January 19, Abdullah criticized the BJP for failing to rehabilitate migrant families during its decade-long rule in the region. He also pointed out that the BJP’s promise of creating 50,000 jobs for unemployed youth remains unfulfilled.
Media Responsibility and Regional Cooperation
Abdullah urged the media to focus on fostering harmony rather than division. “If we spread hatred, we cannot save the country. The media must introspect before questioning opposition leaders,” he said.
He also reflected on the importance of regional cooperation, recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s vision for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a tool for collaboration among neighboring nations. “We need a revival of this vision for the betterment of the region,” Abdullah emphasized.
The delay in the Katra-Srinagar train service highlights the ongoing challenges in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. While the project’s completion is eagerly awaited, the focus remains on resolving technical issues to ensure its successful launch.
