Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: The long-awaited promise of a direct rail connection between Kashmir and Delhi has left the people of the Valley disheartened after it was clarified that passengers would have to deboard at Katra instead of traveling directly to the national capital.
This announcement has dashed the high hopes generated by earlier claims of seamless connectivity, sparking widespread frustration among locals.
The move has been criticized across various sections of society, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah leading the outcry. He called the arrangement “pointless” and questioned the rationale behind the lack of a direct service. “The hype around this rail service has been punctured,” said a trader.
“The promise was for a direct connection, and anything less does not meet the expectations or the needs of the people.”
Locals, including traders, students, and apple growers, have expressed their disappointment. Traders, who depend heavily on efficient transportation to send their goods to larger markets like Delhi, said the need to stop at Katra adds unnecessary hassle.
“A direct train would have reduced delays and costs. This indirect service offers no real benefit,” said a prominent businessman in Srinagar.
Students, who frequently travel to Delhi for educational purposes, have also voiced concerns. Many see this as a missed opportunity to make travel more convenient and affordable. “We were excited about the possibility of boarding a train here in Kashmir and getting off in Delhi without interruptions. Now, that dream feels far away,” shared a university student preparing for his semester in the capital.
Apple growers, a crucial economic force in the Valley, are particularly disappointed. Efficient transport to Delhi is essential for delivering their produce on time and maintaining its quality. “We had pinned hopes on this service for a smoother supply chain,” lamented an apple grower from Sopore. “This half-measure doesn’t help us at all.”
The broader public sentiment reflects a sense of betrayal, as the project was initially heralded as a major step toward better connectivity and integration of Kashmir with the rest of the country. Many believe that the authorities’ decision to terminate the train at Katra undermines the development potential of the rail link.
Officials, however, defended the current setup, citing operational and logistical challenges in extending the service beyond Katra. They assured the public that efforts to establish a fully direct route to Delhi are under consideration, though no definitive timeline has been provided. (CNS)
