When Will The Train Finally Reach Kashmir: Ruhullah

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Jammu- National conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday questioned the government over the delay in launching the Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat train, asking why promised deadlines have been repeatedly missed.

Speaking in Parliament during a discussion, Ruhullah said that there was no clarity on when the direct train service would begin.

“We were told that the Vande Bharat train from Delhi to Srinagar would start by January 26. Later, multiple dates were floated in the media, yet nothing has materialized,” Ruhullah said, pressing the government for a definitive answer.

The National Conference MP also raised concerns over reports suggesting that passengers may have to switch trains at Jammu or Katra, instead of a direct service to Kashmir.“Why this inconvenience? Why should Kashmir be treated differently?” he asked.

Ruhullah recalled that the railway minister had previously justified the non-operational status of the train by citing extreme winter conditions in Kashmir.

Read Also Video- When Will The Train Finally Reach Kashmir: Aga Ruhullah In Parliament No Bigger Political Catastrophe Than Elected Govt Deceiving Its People: NC's Ruhullah

“If sub-zero temperatures are the reason, then why is the delay extending beyond winter? The harsh cold lasts only for 40 days, but why should Kashmiri passengers suffer inconvenience for the remaining 10 months?” he asked.

He also took a dig at the government's priorities, stating that the railway expansion should be based on public demand rather than forced infrastructure projects.

He accused the government of forcing land surveys and seizing orchards under the guise of railway expansion in Kashmir.

“There is no demand for townships, no demand for railway lines in certain areas, yet land is being taken,” Ruhullah stated.

He argued that farmers and fruit growers-who form the backbone of Kashmir's economy-are being systematically pushed out.

“Where there is genuine demand-like the Rajouri-Poonch railway line-there is no progress. Where there is a demand for the Sopore-Kupwara railway line, no work is being done. I fail to understand this approach,” he said.

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