Direct Delhi-Srinagar train: A necessity for Kashmir’s growth

By
Ziraat Times
-

ZIRAAT TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

For years, Kashmir has marvelled the possibility of a direct Delhi-Srinagar train. Decades of suffering from the unreliable and treacherous Srinagar-Jammu National Highway had finally been over with the completion of the Katra-Banihal rail track, and the formal inauguration of the train services connecting Kashmir with rest of the country. This is a monumental moment, and a major leap forward towards the integration of Kashmir with democratic, secular and a progressing India. However, the excitement in Kashmir for this watershed moment has been dampened for the news that there is no direct Delhi-Srinagar train, and that these train services would operate through Katra.

The decision to operate the Vande Bharat Express trains exclusively on the Katra-Srinagar route, bypassing the much-anticipated direct Delhi-Srinagar connectivity, has also sparked disappointment among business classes, horticulture sector, students and all those who were looking for a reliable alternative to the expensive air travel between Srinagar and Delhi.

The current arrangement, though critical in improving rail connectivity, fails to address the critical logistical and economic needs of Kashmir and Ladakh’s peoples and industries. It is imperative for the government to prioritize the introduction of direct passenger and goods train services between Delhi and Srinagar to unlock the state’s true economic potential and provide a reliable lifeline for its horticultural and trade sectors.

Kashmir’s horticulture industry, supporting millions of livelihoods, faces significant logistical challenges due to the existing reliance on road transport for sending perishable goods to markets in Delhi and beyond. Road networks, often disrupted by weather conditions, landslides, and congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, create uncertainty and result in substantial losses for fruit growers. A direct Vande Bharat Express train service, complemented by dedicated goods trains, would revolutionize the supply chain, ensuring faster, safer, and more reliable transportation of fresh produce to key markets.

And this is important for Ladakh region as well.

The addition of cargo trains on this route would not only facilitate the smooth movement of horticultural goods but also reduce transportation costs significantly both for Kashmir and Jammu regions. That would paticularly make Kashmir’s  produce more competitive in national and international markets while simultaneously improving the affordability and availability of essential goods in the valley. A reliable rail-based supply chain is also expected to attract new investments in cold storage facilities, food processing units, and logistics hubs, paving the way for greater development in Kashmir.

Moreover, the benefits of direct rail connectivity extend beyond horticulture. Tourism, another pillar of Kashmir’s economy, would receive a significant boost. A direct train service between Delhi and Srinagar would make the valley more accessible to domestic tourists, many of whom find air travel expensive. The introduction of cargo trains would also benefit other industries, enabling the efficient movement of construction materials, consumer goods, and essential commodities, thus fostering economic integration between Kashmir and the rest of India.

The current arrangement requiring passengers and goods to switch trains at Katra is impractical and undermines the potential benefits of rail connectivity. The absence of a seamless, direct service from Srinagar to Delhi creates unnecessary bottlenecks, defeating the purpose of improving connectivity.

The government must act promptly to address these concerns. Introducing a direct Vande Bharat Express train and dedicated goods trains between Delhi and Srinagar is not merely a logistical improvement but an economic imperative.

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916 COMMENTS

  1. We all know and understand the purpose behind to lay such link at a very exhobrant costs overcoming many hurdles other issues are irrelevant.

  2. It should be direct train from delhi to srinagar. Deboarding at katra Or indirect train will be time consuming and troublesome.

  3. Having indirect train is stupid it doesn’t address amjor issues it will flop..govt needs to address this immediately don’t know from where these stupid idea come from

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