Working on 'special plan' for development of railways in J&K, says Prabhu

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday said the Centre had been working on a special plan for the development of railways in Jammu and Kashmir.

After inaugurating a multiplex complex and laying the foundation stone for construction of escalators, lifts, executive lounge and mechanized laundry at the railway station here, the Minister said, "The Indian Railways is taking steps to connect Jammu and Kashmir with rest of the country through railway line starting from Baramulla."

Referring to the initiatives being undertaken by the J&K Tourism Sector, the minister said, "Special tourist trains will be introduced shortly so that tourist-related activities get a boost. New and special trains would be run in the state, which will cater to the huge rush of pilgrims coming to J&K from across the country to pay their obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishnu Devi and other holy places."

Prabhu said the railways have initiated major reforms keeping in line with the economic agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.