Updated On: 10 June, 2025 04:26 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondent
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah called the new Vande Bharat Express to Katra a "huge blessing" for Jammu and Kashmir, praising its impact on travel, tourism, and regional connectivity via the iconic Chenab and Anji bridges.

Vande Bharat train at Katra. Pic/PTI
Just a few days after the havoc that was caused in the valley due to the tensions between India and Pakistan. A new ray of hope in the form of bridges and trains has brought a smile to people’s faces.
After PM Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat trains on June 6 at Katra. It was now time for the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah to take a joyride in the Vande Bharat train.
The veteran leader took the Vande Bharat train from Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar to Katra. Nowgam Railway Station is a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, connecting Kashmir to the Jammu area and the rest of India.