Katra, June 10, 2025: National Conference chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, arrived at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station on the newly inaugurated Srinagar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express. Overwhelmed with emotion, Abdullah remarked, “Mata ne bulaya hai. Aaya hai bulawa shera wali ka,” expressing his spiritual connection to the revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.
The Vande Bharat train, operating from Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar, marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. Abdullah, accompanied by other leaders and MLAs, praised the train for its role in easing travel for pilgrims and tourists. “This is the biggest gift to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the entire country. I had tears in my eyes,” he said, highlighting the emotional and practical significance of the service.
Abdullah emphasised the train’s benefits, noting, “Road travel is tough, and airfares are too high. This train is a huge blessing and will benefit tourists a lot.” The high-speed, modern Vande Bharat Express is expected to boost tourism to the Vaishno Devi shrine, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites, while providing a comfortable and affordable travel option.
The JKNC leader’s journey on the train underscores its importance as a symbol of development and unity for the region. Abdullah’s visit to Katra to seek blessings at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple further resonated with devotees, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to travel on this historic route.
