Jammu, 7 June (H.S.): The launch of the first-ever train service to the Kashmir Valley has brought to life a vision first articulated in 1898 by Maharaja Pratap Singh, then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. With this development, a long-pending infrastructure goal has finally been achieved, linking the Valley directly to the country’s rail network.Fine dining reservations

This was stated by BJP spokesperson for J&K, Gaurav Gupta. He underscored the historical context of the project, recalling that Maharaja Pratap Singh had initiated efforts to connect Kashmir by rail more than a century ago. “Between 1898 and 1909, British engineers carried out surveys and submitted detailed reports, but the plan never moved forward under colonial rule,” he said.

Gupta said the completion of the railway line to the Valley is more than just a transportation upgrade — it represents a convergence of historical ambition and present-day national priorities. “This development is about national integration and strengthening regional connectivity,” he added.

He also pointed to the engineering challenges involved in the project, citing the difficult Himalayan terrain and the extensive use of tunnels and bridges. “The execution of this railway line stands as a striking example of modern engineering overcoming one of the world’s most challenging geographies,” Gupta remarked.

The new rail link now makes it possible to travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir entirely by train — a symbolic milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. Gupta said the project reflects a shift in focus toward including even the remotest areas in the country’s development plans.

Framing it within the broader national framework, he said such connectivity projects are aligned with the idea of Viksit Bharat and aim to transform lives by improving access, mobility, and economic opportunities.

“This rail connection is not just the end of a long wait — it is the beginning of a new chapter in J&K’s integration with the rest of India,” he concluded.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar