Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought the establishment of a dry (inland) port for J&K after Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the first-ever direct rail service from Jammu to Srinagar on Thursday morning.
Highlighting the importance of facilitating export trade and customs clearance, Omar said the proposed facility is a much-needed and a vital step towards boosting trade from the Union Territory.
He made the demand while speaking at an event organised at Jammu Railway Station to celebrate the extension of the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express service.
The train was flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the presence of Union Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Besides them, Members of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Sat Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana were also present on the occasion, along with senior administrative officials. Full-fledged train operations are likely to commence from May 2, 2026.
While putting forward his demand, Omar said he understood that the matter does not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Railway Minister but expressed hope that he could support J&K’s case at the right quarters in the Central government. He said he would raise the issue with the Central leadership in the coming days and urged Dr Jitendra Singh and other J&K MPs to raise the matter as well.
The Vande Bharat Express, since its launch in Jammu and Kashmir, has become one of the most preferred modes of transport among locals and national travellers. However, unrestricted access would further facilitate the region’s overall development. Omar said, “Freight trains to Kashmir are already playing a significant role in boosting the economy and supporting the business community and horticulture sector.”
Also read: Jammu-Srinagar gets direct rail service after 79 years
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