Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that there will be no obstacle in the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Flagging off the inaugural train from Katra in Jammu,Mr Modi said Katra will develop very fast in the coming days. The Prime Minister said this new train is not only for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also for the people of the rest of the country who want to visit the state. He said the new rail link will speed up the process of development in the state. The 25-km long Udhampur-Katra line, commissioned after prolonged delays, has been built at an estimated cost of 1,132.75 crore rupees.

Suggesting that the train be named Shree Shakti Express, Mr Modi, said the state has gone through many problems and difficulties and the country wants it to be prosperous and peaceful. The train connectivity to Katra is part of the ambitious Kashmir rail link project that will connect the Valley with the rest of the country. The last link between Katra and Banihal pass, is expected to be completed by 2018. The train will traverse through seven tunnels and over 30 small and large bridges. There will be a small station – Chakrakhwal – between Udhampur and Katra.

Trains will be able to reach Katra directly as the 53-km Jammu-Udhampur rail line is already operational. This would enable lakhs of pilgrims headed to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine to travel directly to the base camp at Katra.