Katra: In a politically charged yet light-hearted speech, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used the inauguration of the Valley’s first train service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reiterate his government’s demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony in Katra, Abdullah recalled the inauguration of the Katra railway station in 2014, noting that several people present then were on stage again. “You (PM Modi) had just become Prime Minister and inaugurated the Katra station. Today, you’re still the Prime Minister, having won two consecutive elections,” he said, acknowledging the continuity in Modi’s leadership.
Turning to his own journey with a touch of humour, Abdullah remarked, “I was the Chief Minister of a full-fledged state then. Today, I stand slightly demoted – as the Chief Minister of a Union Territory.” His comment was met with applause from the audience. He added with optimism, “I believe this correction won’t take long, and with your help, Jammu and Kashmir will again become a state.”
The statement served as a clear and public appeal to the Prime Minister for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which was revoked in August 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was reorganised into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Abdullah also reflected on the decades-long wait for the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link. “This project was launched when I was in the eighth grade. I am 55 now, and my children have completed college — only now is the project completed,” he noted.
Highlighting the historical importance of the railway connection, Abdullah remarked that even the British had attempted to connect Kashmir by rail through Uri and Jhelum but failed. “What they couldn’t accomplish has now been achieved through your hands,” he told the Prime Minister, lauding the completion of the railway link as a major milestone.
He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for elevating the railway project to a national priority. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Vajpayee ji, who gave this project national importance and ensured it was included in the Union Budget,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the economic and social benefits the railway line would bring to the region. “This project will boost tourism and benefit our people immensely. During highway closures, airfare skyrockets from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000. Now, this railway will provide an affordable alternative and curb such exploitation,” he said.
Abdullah also expressed hope that the railway would support the transportation of Kashmiri produce like apples and cherries to wider markets, boosting the local economy.
Acknowledging the Centre’s role in pushing forward infrastructure development in the region, he listed ongoing projects like ring roads in Jammu and Srinagar, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, and upgrades to airports and the railway network.
“With your auspicious hands, one more major infrastructure dream has become a reality in Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah concluded, thanking PM Modi while underscoring the need to take the next step: the restoration of full statehood.
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