By Mushtaq Bala
The much-anticipated Delhi-Srinagar rail service has left many citizens disappointed due to its cumbersome route and lack of direct connectivity. While the rail link was hailed as a historic step towards connecting the Valley with the national capital, the decision to route all trains through Katra has sparked widespread criticism.
Travelers are required to deboard at Katra, undergo rigorous frisking and security checks, and then board a different train towards Jammu or Srinagar. This transshipment adds approximately two hours to the journey, causing significant inconvenience, especially for senior citizens and women traveling alone.
One citizen remarked, “This troublesome route has come as a big dampener. It makes nonsense of direct train travel between Delhi and Srinagar. Imagine senior citizens and ladies going through this rigorous drill at Katra.”
Another concern raised is that the current arrangement does not benefit passengers traveling from the Valley to Delhi or Jammu. “Indian Railways should introduce direct services connecting Delhi, Jammu, and Srinagar instead of this convoluted route,” suggested a commuter.
Citizens also questioned the lack of proactive action from public representatives. “Hum wada kartey hain kabhi aayenge, we will take up this issue at the proper time,” one comment sarcastically noted, hinting at delayed responses from authorities.
Critics argue that the current setup defeats the purpose of efficient travel and raises questions about the planning and execution of the project. As a suggestion from some citizens points out, the service in its current form might better serve as a “Yatra Special” rather than the much-hyped Delhi-Srinagar rail link.
The demand for a direct train service without the Katra detour is gaining momentum, with citizens urging Indian Railways and policymakers to reconsider the arrangement to truly fulfill the promise of seamless connectivity to Kashmir.
