Political parties, cutting across affiliations and ideologies, Friday welcomed the Kashmir rail link inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for a boost in trade and tourism in the valley.
Modi will start his visit on June 6 by dedicating to public the Chenab rail bridge, which is a key part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will provide direct train connectivity to the valley.
Sinha said the inauguration of the Kashmir rail service has connected the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and will pave the way for the economic prosperity of the region.
From highways connecting once-remote regions to aviation networks carrying millions, India's infrastructure story is one of transformation.
Specially designed coaches for adverse weather conditions have been inducted for rail travel in Kashmir Valley.
The government on said its ambitious Kashmir rail plan has the largest cost overrun of Rs 5,500 crore among those rail projects which have been delayed by more than a decade.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the minister proposed to set up a bridge factory.
According to sources close to her, the budget in a way would reflect Mamata's vision for the Railways in the coming years and means of generating resources for key projects.
The massive arch-shaped 1.315-km long 'engineering marvel', designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km per hour, will rise 359 m above the river bed.
Stressing that Himalayan states have similar sets of problems and opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed a "common model" for the their development.
Before undertaking such difficult projects as a 378-km railway line to Tawang, the government must seriously examine whether having quality roads is a better option.
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