Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir,  Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam, Prof. Manik Saha, Chief Minister, Tripura flagged off  Dullabcherra – Guwahati tri-weekly train, Agartala- Sabroom DEMU train, an The extension of Guwahati-Secunderabad Express upto Silchar (Assam), extension of Kamakhya-Lokmanya Tilak Express upto Agartala via video conferencing today. 

The New Vistadome coach in Budgam-Banihal train in Jammu & Kashmir was also flagged off. During the flag-off ceremony, several dignitaries were connected through video conferencing. 

Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “In last nine years, North East states and Jammu & Kashmir have changed a lot and the change is discernible on the ground. Prime Minister has visited North East region more than 60 times which is higher than the visits of Prime Ministers of India before him. After the abrogation of Article 370, the development of Jammu and Kashmir is pacing fast. Recently, meetings of G20 were held in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. In the Railways also, various development projects have been ongoing in both these regions. Railways have allotted an annual budget of around Rs. 10,269 Crores for North East, while earlier it was around Rs 2122 Crores. Railways projects are progressing swiftly in North eastern states. Two Vande Bharat Trains are also planned for North East. In Jammu & Kashmir, development work has been completed on the Chenab Bridge, and Anji Bridge, and tunnels have been completed except on some portions. Railways’ are working for overall transformation of Northeastern states.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir said, “Vistadome coach between Banihal and Budgam is a big leap by Railways in the development of the Union territory. The state-of-the-art Vistadome will attract tourists in large numbers.” He said that there has been a substantial boost in tourism in recent times and the new coach will further give impetus to the development of the area. 

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha, said, “We are thankful to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for augmenting the rail connectivity in the state. It will boost the connectivity in remote areas and give impetus to trade and tourism in the state.” 

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Prime Minister has laid emphasis on the development of Jammu & Kashmir and North East states since he assumed office. It is an important day as Assam is getting an extension of one train to Barak Valley, one train being extended to Agartala, one train is being introduced to the remote area of Dullabcherra. I thank Prime Minister and Railway Minister for this initiative.” 

Extension of Guwahati- Secunderabad Express (weekly) upto Silchar will provide direct connectivity between Barak Valley of Assam and Secunderabad. It will benefit the people of lower Assam and areas bordering Barak Valley. The regular service of the train will run on Saturday from Secunderabad. 

The introduction of the Dullabcherra-Guwahati Tri-weekly Train will run on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from Guwahati & Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday from Dullavcharra will provide direct connectivity between the remote area of Assam Dullabcherra and Guwahati benefiting students, businessmen and traders of Dullabcherra. 

Extension of Kamakhya- Lokmanya Tilak Express (weekly) upto Agartala (Tripura) will be the direct train service between capital of Tripura and Mumbai. It will benefit people in the region, traders and patients in Tripura who travel to Mumbai for treatment purposes. The regular service of the train up to Agartala will commence from Sunday Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. 

The introduction of the Agartala- Sabroom DEMU train will benefit people from the remote areas of the state and will enhance connectivity with the state capital, Agartala. It will also boost tourism in the state. 

The launch of the Vistadome coach in Budgam- Banihal train will boost tourism in the state and provide memorable journey experiences to the passengers. 

Image Source: NE India