National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flagging off the first electric train in the Kashmir valley and inaugurating the train service between Sangaldan station and Baramulla station. The initiative is seen as a significant development for the region, with Farooq Abdullah highlighting its importance for tourism and the local population.
Farooq Abdullah commended the Railway Ministry and PM Modi, stating, “…We needed it. It is important for our tourism and people. This is a big step that has been taken today. I congratulate the Railway Ministry, PM Modi for this.” He emphasized that the rail connectivity would address various challenges posed by road services and contribute to the transport and supply of goods and services.
Acknowledging the terrain difficulties faced in the past, Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism about the positive impact the new train service would have on progress in the region. He mentioned the long-standing hope for such a service, dating back to 2007, and praised the efforts to overcome challenges and make the project a reality.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore. The event also marked the official opening of the IIT Jammu complex, featuring 52 labs, 104 faculty offices, 27 lecture halls, and hostel facilities for around 1,450 students.
Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated 20 new buildings for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 13 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) across the country, contributing to meeting educational needs on a national scale. Other projects dedicated to the nation included permanent campuses for IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIT Jammu, IIITDM Kurnool, the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Kanpur, and two campuses of Central Sanskrit University in Devprayag (Uttarakhand) and Agartala (Tripura). The total worth of these educational projects amounted to Rs 13,375 crore.
Prime Minister Modi is also set to inaugurate the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus in Jammu during his visit.
