In a momentous event marked by excitement and joy, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the maiden regular service of the Vande Bharat Express, with scheduled stops at Udhampur and Kathua, stations situated within his Lok Sabha constituency. Terming it a historic decision, Dr Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedicated attention to the rapid development of Jammu and Kashmir for enabling this initiative.
Dr Jitendra Singh commenced the inaugural stoppage of the train from Udhampur Station in the early hours of the morning, traveling aboard to reach Kathua Railway Station, where the train made its first scheduled halt. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Singh emphasized that PM Modi’s action in facilitating the stoppage of the Vande Bharat Train at Kathua station fulfills a longstanding demand of the local populace and commuters. He hailed it as a remarkable achievement, completed within a short span of one-and-a-half months without compromising the mandated journey time of the Vande Bharat Train.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the locals, Dr Jitendra Singh thanked PM Modi, for renaming Udhampur Railway Station to Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station, marking a historic tribute to a fallen soldier. He clarified an earlier oversight in which the word ‘Udhampur’ had been omitted but rectified in the station’s official name.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the unique status of the railway route to J&K, boasting two Vande Bharat Trains, a rarity compared to other parts of the country. He underscored the strategic importance of Udhampur as a major military base in North India, foreseeing its transformation into a significant junction, especially upon the Kashmir Valley’s anticipated connection to the national railway network shortly.
Sharing the revised timetable of the two Vande Bharat Trains, Dr Singh emphasized passenger comfort, allowing travelers from Kathua and Udhampur to have lunch in Delhi while those from Delhi can have dinner at their next destination. He outlined the adjusted departure and arrival times to optimize convenience for commuters.
The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express service with stops at Udhampur and Kathua marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity and facilitating rapid development in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dedicated efforts of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, this initiative promises to usher in a new era of progress & prosperity for the people of the region.
