Urges Vande Bharat halt at Anantnag, increased train services during Srinagar Airport closure in October
New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday met Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi and discussed various issues related to the augmentation of rail services in Jammu & Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister appreciated the quality of service, passenger comfort and punctuality of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, which has emerged as a major milestone in improving connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
Highlighting the growing public demand for greater rail accessibility, the Chief Minister urged the Union Railway Minister to consider providing a stoppage for the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag to facilitate travel for residents of South Kashmir and adjoining areas.
The Chief Minister also drew the attention of the Railway Minister to the scheduled closure of Srinagar International Airport from October 1 to October 15, 2026, for essential runway maintenance and resurfacing works. He 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 Shri 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.