Kashmir gets its first train service

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 PM’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 Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra.

 

In the first phase, the train will be run from Rajwansher in Budgam district to Anantnag, covering a distance of 66 km, 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 Rs 11,270 crore, 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 the police and paramilitary forces in riot-gear were not allowing them to come out of their houses.

In a fresh attempt to reach out to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, the PM had yesterday offered to hold talks with all sections of people including those who had stayed out of the political process.

“The government will welcome dialogue with all sections of people. This also includes who have so far opted to stay out of the political process,” Singh, whose two-day visit to the state ends today, had said while making a veiled reference to the recent agitation spearheaded by Hurriyat Conference.

Singh had also inaugurated the 450-MW Baglihar hydro electric power project built on river Chenab in Ramban district, which was much awaited like the train service whose foundation was laid in 1998 by then Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral.

The entire stretch in the Valley from Kazikund to Baramulla was to be of 119 km and the cost earlier put at Rs 2275 crore. Out of this, 66 km track has been completed.

The train, which is expected to cover the 66-km stretch in about one hour and 35 minutes including stoppage time at various stations, will be run twice a day from either side.

The stoppages will be at Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipora, Panjgam, Bijbehara, Rajwansher and Anantnag, the spokesman said.

The coaches will have a seating capacity for 90 passengers and the compartment meant for physically challenged persons will have wider doors, the spokesman said.

Anti-skid flooring and sliding doors have been provided in the coaches and like the state-of-the-art Delhi Metro, the train has public information system with display and automatic announcement.

In view of the climate of the valley, 1400 horse power diesel engine for the train has been provided with heating system for quick and trouble free ignition in winters.

Snow cutting type cattle guard is attached at the driver’s end of the train for snow clearance from tracks during winter.