Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his opposition to the reported proposal of swapping trains at Katra for travel to the Kashmir Valley. He emphasized that such a move would undermine the purpose of to be inaugurated train line from Kashmir to rest of the country and render the significant investment of thousands of crores ineffective.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Abdullah wrote “While we understand the need to secure the train and its passengers, making passengers change trains will defeat the very purpose of the line.” He urged authorities to conduct security checks in Katra or Jammu but firmly stated, “NO change of train will be supported by us.” He added that while there is currently no concrete proposal, his government is prepared to provide input when necessary.
Earlier in Gulmarg, Abdullah acknowledged the importance of passenger safety and stated that security checks are acceptable if they ensure the well-being of travelers. “If it’s to avert any threat then it’s fine. At the end of the day, safety must come first,” he remarked, reiterating that decisions regarding security measures should rest with railway authorities.
In a related development, Abdullah announced plans to transform Sonamarg into a winter sports destination ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel on Monday. This 6.5 km tunnel, constructed at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore, promises to enhance all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, while also providing crucial access to the strategically significant Ladakh region.
Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about Sonamarg’s future as a winter sports hub, stating, “I will try my best to ensure that in the next 5 years Sonamarg also becomes like Gulmarg.” He underscored the importance of tourism for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, noting that increased tourist footfall translates to greater earnings for local communities.
As preparations are underway for PM Modi’s visit, Abdullah has taken proactive steps to promote Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination in India. He described Gulmarg as easily accessible and highly favored by skiers, showcasing its potential to attract even more tourists in the coming years.
The Z-Morh tunnel project, along with the upcoming Zojila Tunnel set for completion by 2028, aims to significantly reduce travel time and enhance safety for travelers navigating this picturesque yet challenging terrain.
