J-K: CM Abdullah requests rail minister for additional trains on Katra-Srinagar rail route to meet high demand
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 20 (ANI): In light of the overwhelming public response to the recently launched Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar, JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has formally requested the Union Ministry of Railways to introduce additional trains on Katra-Srinagar rail route to meet high-demand.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Katra, CM Omar highlighted that the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat service has witnessed full bookings since its launch, reflecting the strong demand for improved and faster connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
'The Vande Bharat service has brought immense relief to commuters and boosted regional connectivity. However, the current capacity is not sufficient to meet the rising demand. I have urged the Centre to increase the frequency of trains and consider deploying additional services to cater to the growing number of passengers,' said the Chief Minister.
He emphasised that enhanced rail connectivity will not only facilitate easier travel for locals and pilgrims but also act as a catalyst for tourism and economic development in the Union Territory.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, flagged off earlier this month, has significantly reduced travel time and provided a modern, comfortable mode of transport for thousands of passengers. The government is now considering further steps to ensure that more people can benefit from the service in the coming weeks.
CM Omar reiterated his commitment to improving infrastructure and public services in J&K and assured the public that all efforts are being made to strengthen the region's connectivity and economic prospects.
The Vande Bharat Express operating on the newly launched Katra-Srinagar route is witnessing overwhelming demand from passengers, with bookings full for the next 10 days, according to railway authorities.
Earlier last week, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah travelled in the Vande Bharat train and paid obeisance at the Maa Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Farooq Abdullah said that he had a 'good darshan' at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and that he prayed for prosperity and brotherhood in the region. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
BEL secures fresh orders worth Rs 585 crore since June 5
New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured additional orders worth Rs 585 Crore since the last disclosure on 5th June 2025, according to NSE filing by Bharat 'major orders received include fire control and sighting system for missiles, communication equipment, jammers, spares, services etc,' according to the Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Additionally, BEL is a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, Government of is a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate with wide expertise in the design, development, engineering, and manufacture of Radars, Weapon Systems, C4I systems, Military Communication systems, Electronic Warfare and Avionics, naval systems, Electro-Optics and laser-based products, Tank Electronics and Gun Upgrades, satcom systems, Strategic Components, and civilian has been continuously striving to expand its offerings in the Non-Defence domain, some of its recent notable business initiatives being in the areas of Homeland Security, Cyber Security, Software, Rail and Metro solutions, Civil Aviation, Space Electronics, Medical Electronics, Jammers, Anti-drone systems, Unmanned Systems, etc. Recently, Tata Electronics and state-owned firm Bharat Electronics (BEL) have joined hands to advance the development of indigenous electronics and semiconductor solutions in line with the Centre's vision for MoU signed between these two is a significant step forward in jointly exploring end-to-end solutions to meet domestic Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army Air Defence also signed a contract for the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS). The system, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL, marks a significant milestone under the Government of India's Make in India initiative. The IDDIS is designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving aerial threats. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"PM Modi's leadership spurs Rs 17 Lakh crore in Investment proposals in 2 days," says Odisha CM Majhi
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 20 (ANI): On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the BJP-led government in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi commended Prime Minister Modi's leadership and highlighted contributions to the state's development. 'In January, PM Modi urged the investors to participate in the Utkarsh Odisha 2025 conclave. We received proposals worth Rs 17 lakh crores in just two days, which is a record. This happened because the investors trusted you. We are working to make Odisha the industrial hub of eastern India...,' he said. On Operation Sindoor, Majhi lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating, 'Under your leadership, the terrorist has been eliminated. Operation Sindoor was not just an operation; it was a symbol of the trust of mothers and sisters. With Operation Sindoor, India rises to a new role, one that does not bow. Earlier, people said, 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai'; now they say, 'Modi hai toh desh surakshit hai.' Under your leadership, development is touching new heights. In 11 years, all sectors have made progress, and India has become the world's fourth-largest economy.' PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore in Bhubaneswar. These projects will cover critical sectors, including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, sections of national highways, and a new railway line. He will also release the Odisha Vision Document, which is anchored around the landmark years of 2036 (when Odisha completes 100 years as India's first linguistic state) and 2047 (when India celebrates 100 years of independence). Odisha has set an ambitious target to become a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047. Earlier today, PM addressed the rally in Bihar's Siwan said that the Congress and RJD supported Gundaraj and corruption.'RJD and Congress are against Bihar and investments. They can never make a place in the heart of Biharis.' Launching a scathing attack on the opposition parties in Bihar for the slow progress of the state during their tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day said that the opposition Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are anti-Bihar and anti-investment. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Ministry of Finance addresses recent report on Swiss Bank Deposit
New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): The Ministry of Finance on Friday addressed recent media reports concerning an increase in money deposited by Indian entities in Swiss bank accounts, providing an update on India's ongoing efforts to combat offshore tax evasion through international exchange of information. 'In this context, it is stated that in order to combat the problem of offshore tax evasion, tax jurisdictions cooperate among themselves and share relevant information about financial assets held by the citizens of other countries in their tax jurisdiction,' the ministry of Finance said. The ministry further added that, under the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework, with Switzerland providing annual financial information to Indian authorities since 2018. The first data transmission occurred in September 2019 and has continued regularly, encompassing even accounts suspected of financial irregularities. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) regularly undertakes a systematic review of data so received and identifies taxpayers, whose cases require further verification. Furthermore, such verification is carried out through different modes, including search and survey actions, open enquiries, etc. For the Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25, the CBDT compared AEOI data with information about foreign assets and income reported by taxpayers in their Income Tax Returns (ITRs), covering all jurisdictions, including Switzerland. Furthermore, SMS and emails were dispatched to taxpayers who had not reported foreign assets and income in the appropriate ITR schedules, urging them to review their filings. A total of 24,678 taxpayers reviewed their ITRs, and 5,483 taxpayers subsequently filed belated returns for AY 2024-25. These belated returns collectively reported foreign assets valued at Rs. 29,208 crores and additional foreign income of Rs. 1,089.88 crores. The Ministry stated that suitable action under existing law is being considered for non-responsive taxpayers. The initiative has led to a substantial increase in taxpayers reporting foreign assets and income. For AY 2024-25, a total of 2.31 lakh taxpayers reported their foreign assets and income, marking a growth of 45.17 per cent compared to 1.59 lakh taxpayers in AY 2023-24. The Ministry attributed this positive trend to various awareness initiatives and a system-driven approach, which are encouraging taxpayers to voluntarily declare their foreign assets and income and revise their ITRs to ensure accurate reporting. The government reiterated its commitment to taking enforcement and statutory actions as per extant law in cases of continued non-compliance. (ANI)
