Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Vande Bharat Express Regular Service Connecting Udhampur and Kathua

In a momentous ceremony brimming with enthusiasm and pride, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh marked the inaugural run of the regular service of the Vande Bharat Express, making stops at Udhampur and Kathua railway stations. These stations hold particular significance as they fall within Dr. Singh’s Lok Sabha constituency.

Characterizing the event as historic, Dr. Jitendra Singh attributed its realization to the special attention and priority accorded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Singh expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to the region’s progress.

The maiden journey of the Vande Bharat Express commenced from Udhampur Station, where Dr. Jitendra Singh flagged off the train early in the morning. He then embarked on the journey, traveling to Kathua Railway Station, where the train made its first scheduled stop.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s responsiveness to the demands of the local populace. He commended the expeditious fulfillment of the request for a stoppage of the Vande Bharat Train at Kathua station, underscoring the seamless coordination achieved within a short span of one-and-a-half months without compromising the train’s mandated journey time.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for renaming Udhampur Railway Station as Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station Udhampur. He noted that this gesture marked a first in the country, honoring the sacrifice of a martyred soldier and recognizing his contribution.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the unique aspect of the railway route to Jammu and Kashmir, which boasts two Vande Bharat Trains, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in the region. He outlined the future prospects of Udhampur, foreseeing its evolution into a major junction, especially with the impending connectivity of the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country via train in the coming months.

Additionally, Dr. Singh shared the revised time schedule of the Vande Bharat Trains, emphasizing the convenience it offers to commuters. The adjusted timings aim to optimize travel comfort, enabling passengers from Kathua and Udhampur to enjoy meals in Delhi, and vice versa.

The revised departure timing of Train number 22478 from Katra has been set at 5:50 am, reaching Udhampur railway station (Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Station) at 6:14 am before continuing its journey at 6:16 am. Similarly, Train number 22477 from New Delhi will reach Kathua at 8:45 pm, with a two-minute halt, before proceeding to Jammu and Udhampur, providing enhanced connectivity for travelers in the region.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the regular service of the Vande Bharat Express marks a significant stride in the development and connectivity of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering progress and inclusivity in the region.