Connecting J&K | 2nd Vande Bharat Express Inaugurated | PM’s Vision for Development & Connectivity This is the second Vande Bharat Express train for Jammu & Kashmir between New Delhi and Katra. I think this is also an example of the Prime Minister’s commitment to make this Union Territory an engine of development, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha at the commencement of the second Vande Bhart Express in J&K. I believe that infrastructure in any region can take economic growth to new heights and provide new impetus to integrated development, LG said. If we look at the connectivity facilities after August 2019, the physical distance between Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country has reduced significantly. The first Vande Bharat train started between Katra and New Delhi in October 2019. It was a special and unique gift for the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi. So far this year, about ninety-four lakh devotees have come from different parts of the country to have ‘darshan’ of Mata. And it is expected that when the year 2023 ends on 31st December, we will cross the figure of ninety-five lakhs, LG hoped. Year 2023 had the maximum number of devotees in the last ten years, LG stated. I feel that this has not only boosted the local economy but the crowd at various tourist places in Jammu region has also helped in fulfilling the desires of tourists and locals in those places. The Government of India has made arrangements for night landing at both the airports of Jammu and Srinagar, LG informed. New airport terminals have been approved. Radical changes are also being made in the connectivity structure in cities and villages. At present only Railways is working on projects worth Rs 41,119 crore. In the current financial year, Railways has allocated Rs. 6,003 crore for various projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Upgradation has been done in Jammu, Tawi, Budgam and Udhampur under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. In October 2023 between Banihal and Budgam a state of art railway coach started. Railways is also doing the work of final location survey of four new railway lines for Kashmir Valley Awantipora, Shopian, Sopore, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Baramulla and Uri, LG shared. You all know that in the coming year Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari by railways. This is a historic project which not only Jammu and Kashmir but the entire country was waiting for. And I hope that soon in the coming time the Prime Minister will dedicate this scheme to the travelers and the local people here. Under the leadership of the honourable Prime Minister, the underlying principles have brought ease of struggle and created the opportunity of employment in everyday life of the citizens. And has also ensured last mile connectivity. I believe that under the guidance of the PM, today the whole country is seeing a modern picture of Jammu and Kashmir which is witnessing a new phase of recovery and inclusive development. And by connecting with the mainstream of the nation, it is also realising the expectations of the citizens, the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said.