Centre assures all help for Kashmir's development

The BJP-led central government Thursday assured the Jammu and Kashmir government of all possible help in reviving the economy and putting it on the developmental track.

"A few months ago the people of this state voted in huge numbers to have a government which can fasten development of the state and create more and more employment opportunities. We assure you all possible help in this endeavour," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said at a function here.

The minister on Thursday flagged off in Srinagar four new diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) train services along with Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and senior ministers of the PDP-BJP coalition government.

The new trains will facilitate rail travel along the 136-km Banihal-Qazigund-Baramulla rail track which passes through the Pir Panjal mountain range.

The minister said connectivity played an important role in integrated development of any state.

"Today in Kashmir it is only a beginning... We will make sure the train of prosperity and development in Kashmir reaches its destination."

Prabhu said the pending railway projects like the Katra-Banihal rail link, which will connect Kashmir's trains with outside the state, would be completed as soon as possible.

The proposed rail link passes over river Chenab and, when completed, would be the world's highest mega-arch bridge.

Prabhu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "special focus" on Jammu and Kashmir and wanted to fast track the state's development.