Jammu, Apr 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday, while thanking the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Centre for connecting Jammu with Kashmir by train, demanded a dry (in-land) port for J&K.
He stated it was necessary for facilitating export and custom clearance to reduce logistics costs.
He was addressing the gathering during the event related to extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express flagging-off from Jammu Railway Station.
The extended train service was flagged off by the Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw joined by the Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sat Sharma and Gulam Ali Khatana too were present on the occasion along with other dignitaries.
Regular run of the extended Srinagar-Jammu Vande Bharat Express will commence from May 2, 2026.
CM Omar said though the matter was not related to the Railway Minister directly yet he (Vaishnaw) could help pleading J&K’s cause at right quarters. “I will also raise this demand at the Centre myself,” he said.
He also asked Dr Jitendra and J&K MPs to give it a push.
The Chief Minister stated that Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year had emerged as a very popular mode of transport.
“In particular, freight trains to Kashmir are playing a significant role in boosting its economy and facilitating business community and horticulture sector,” he said.
