For 87-year-old Farooq Abdullah, one of the tallest brand ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, it was a perfect day out along with his grandchildren, Zamir and Zahir, as they embarked on a newly launched Vande Bharat Express from Srinagar to Katra on Tuesday.
The veteran leader celebrated the historic moment and was overwhelmed to see Kashmir finally getting connected to the country’s rail network.
The train, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, was hailed by Abdullah as a monumental achievement for the region.
Abdullah, sporting a round sun-visor hat, boarded the Vande Bharat Express at Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar and was warmly welcomed in Katra by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Jammu NC President Rattan Lal Gupta.
Visibly moved, he told reporters upon arrival, “My heart is overwhelmed and my eyes filled with tears on seeing Kashmir finally getting connected with the country’s rail network.”
He praised the engineers and workers behind the 272-km USBRL project, which includes iconic structures like the Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, calling it “the biggest victory for the people.”
The journey, covering the distance in just three hours, was a special outing for Abdullah and his grandchildren, joined by NC leaders including J&K Minister Satish Sharma, Chief Minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq.
Zahir and Zamir Abdullah, sons of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed their delight after experiencing a memorable journey. Zamir, in particular, praised the onboard dining experience, describing the food as “delightful and well-curated,” a nod to the Vande Bharat’s modern amenities tailored for passenger comfort.
Tanvir Sadiq shared his excitement on X, posting, “Took our first train ride from Srinagar to Katra, truly impressed! The journey crosses the iconic Anji bridge and weaves through stunning tunnels.” The train’s launch is set to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity, particularly for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra starting July 3.
Abdullah highlighted the train’s potential to ease travel woes, noting that road closures and high airfares often burden Kashmiris.
“This train will save people from that,” he said, emphasising benefits for horticulture, tourism, and pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and Amarnath cave.
In the evening, Abdullah visited the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi along with his grandchildren and offered prayers inside the sanctum sanctorum. According to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board officials Abdullah attended the Atka Arti and is expected to stay put during the night.