Manmohan Singh inaugurates train service in Kashmir

Kashmir's first train service was today inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, realising a long-cherished dream of the people that saw a decade-long arduous effort overcome challenges posed by inhospitable terrain and weather.

The flower-decked train was flagged off at Nowgam railway station amid tight security in the wake of a separatists-sponsored shutdown in the Valley against the Prime Minister's visit and the violent protests yesterday that left two persons dead in police firing and 75 others injured.

Excited school children clambered on the train which started as green flags were waved by Singh and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, who were accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and J-K Governor N N Vohra.

In the first phase, the train will run from Rajwansher in Budgam district to Anantnag, covering a distance of 66 kms, the spokesman said, adding the fare will be Rs 15.

The regular service of the train will commence from October 12, he said. Wide windows of unbreakable and splinter proof poly carbonate sheets have been provided in the coaches.

Prasad said the railway project, which will connect Udhampur to Baramulla at a cost of 11,270 crores, will usher prosperity in Kashmir. He said his ministry had set the target of running the service in 2008 which has been met.

The station and the roads leading to it were sealed as there was palpable tension across the Valley which virtually came to a standstill in view of the "civil curfew" called by the separatists' Coordination Committee.

Shops and educational institutions remained closed, attendance in government offices was thin and vehicles remained off the roads in uptown city while prohibitory orders were enforced in downtown area, official sources said.

Residents alleged that police and paramilitary forces in riot-gear were not allowing them to come out of their houses. PTI