Four Baramulla-Banihal DEMU trains started

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 9

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said rail connectivity to the rest of the country was the main task of the Railway Ministry.

“It will not only lift the economy of the state, but also generate a lot of employment options,” he said. He was speaking at the launch of four new DEMU train services from Baramulla to Banihal.

Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, Union Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, Minister for Revenue Javaid Mustafa Mir, Minister for Transport AG Kohli, Minister of State for Revenue and Public Works Sunil Kumar Sharma and senor officials were present.

Mufti said connecting Kashmir with Delhi would help fruit growers of the state, especially apple growers of Kashmir, to send supplies to the rest of the country.

“The national highway gets closed during winter and trains can be a big hope for people to remain connected with the rest of the country,” said the Chief Minister

“The announcement to connect Kashmir with New Delhi was made years ago, but it was my wish to see it happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Railway Minister called on the Chief Minister and pitched for “Palace On Wheels” to boost the tourism sector.

The two leaders discussed wide-ranging issues relating to introduction of more train services and completion of Katra-Banihal railway line within the stipulated time.

Mufti welcomes Modi-Sharif meeting 

CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has welcomed the proposed meeting between the Prime 

Ministers of India and Pakistan in Russia. “Talks are important for peace in the whole of the region,” Mufti said on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar.