The Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu flagged off Banihal-Baramulla Fast Passenger and Budgam-Baramulla Demu train through Video Conferencing in New Delhi today. Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti graced the inaugural function at the Anantnag Railway Station. <br/><br/>Mr. Prabhu said new services of trains will prove a great comfort to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. <br/><br/>He said that being a hilly area the road transport generally takes around 6 hours between Baramulla-Banihal but now one can cover this distance in just 2 hours 20 minutes that too in just 30 rupees. Mr. Prabhu said this train connectivity will give a boost to tourism in the State. He said Railway is also working with the help of IRCTC to bring Jammu & Kashmir on a tourism map this will also promote its handicraft industry and cuisines.<br/><br/>Mr. Prabhu said Prime Minister has specifically focused on development of Jammu & Kashmir. On the occasion, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh said this services is a great relief to the people of Valley and a good rail connectivity will help develop the State in the field of tourism, economically, social and all other spheres.

The Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu flagged off Banihal-Baramulla Fast Passenger and Budgam-Baramulla Demu train through Video Conferencing in New Delhi today. Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti graced the inaugural function at the Anantnag Railway Station. <br/><br/>Mr. Prabhu said new services of trains will prove a great comfort to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. <br/><br/>He said that being a hilly area the road transport generally takes around 6 hours between Baramulla-Banihal but now one can cover this distance in just 2 hours 20 minutes that too in just 30 rupees. Mr. Prabhu said this train connectivity will give a boost to tourism in the State. He said Prime Minister has specifically focused on development of Jammu & Kashmir .<br/><br/>On the occasion, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh said this services is a great relief to the people of Valley and a good rail connectivity will help develop the State in the field of tourism, economically, social and all other spheres.