Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari Urges Immediate Launch of Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express Amid Highway Closure
Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Monday called for the urgent commencement of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, citing the ongoing disruption in surface connectivity due to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bukhari stated, “With the Srinagar-Jammu highway closed due to adverse weather conditions, and the Valley’s road link to the rest of the country cut off, it is imperative to launch the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express without delay.”
Highlighting the train’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting tourism, Bukhari emphasized that its immediate start would help sustain the ongoing tourist season, which is currently at its peak. He suggested that the ceremonial inauguration of the service could take place at a later stage.
He further noted, “The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was already scheduled for launch by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on April 19, but was postponed. Given the current crisis, rolling out the service now would be a timely and much-needed step to assist the people.”
