Dr. Jitendra Singh Flags off Vande Bharat Express with Stops at Udhampur and Kathua

Describing it as a historic decision, Dr. Singh attributed the achievement to the special attention and priority given to the Jammu and Kashmir region by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its rapid development.

The maiden stoppage of the train was flagged off by Dr. Jitendra Singh from Udhampur Station early in the morning, and he traveled on the train to reach Kathua Railway Station, where it made its first stop.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Modi’s initiative fulfills the longstanding demand of local residents and commuters for a Vande Bharat Train stoppage at Kathua station.

He hailed this accomplishment, highlighting that the entire process, including ticketing and scheduling, was completed within a short span of one-and-a-half months without compromising the mandated eight-hour journey time of the Vande Bharat Express.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the local populace, Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the renaming of Udhampur Railway Station to Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station, a first-of-its-kind tribute in the country to a fallen soldier.

He said that the earlier omission of the word “Udhampur” in the station’s name has been rectified. Dr. Singh emphasized the uniqueness of the railway route to Jammu and Kashmir, which now boasts two Vande Bharat Trains, unlike many other parts of the country.

Foreseeing the strategic importance of Udhampur as a major military base in North India, Dr. Singh predicted its transformation into a significant junction, especially once the Kashmir Valley is connected to the rest of the country via rail in the next 3-4 months. He emphasized the future significance of both Udhampur and Kathua Railway Stations in the coming decade.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also shared the revised timetable of the two Vande Bharat Trains, incorporating Udhampur and Kathua as stoppages, aimed at enhancing commuter comfort. The updated schedule allows travelers from Kathua and Udhampur to have lunch in Delhi, while those departing from Delhi can have dinner at the next destination.

The departure timing of Train number 22478 from Katra has been adjusted from 6 am to 5.50 am, ensuring smooth operations. Similarly, Train number 22477 from New Delhi will now reach Kathua at 8.45 pm and depart at 8.47 pm, improving convenience for passengers.

These revisions aim to streamline travel experiences and bolster connectivity in the region.