Katra, Jun 06: In a strong political statement during the inauguration of Srinagar Katra rail link, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday made a renewed pitch for the restoration of statehood to the region.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the flagging-off ceremony of the new Vande Bharat Express train from Katra to Srinagar, Omar said the Union Territory status was a “demotion” that he hopes will soon be reversed — under Modi’s leadership.
“I was the Chief Minister of a state; now I’m the Chief Minister of a Union Territory. But I firmly believe that this will be corrected very soon — and it will be under your leadership, Prime Minister, that Jammu and Kashmir will once again regain the status of a state,” Omar said in a direct appeal during his address at the Katra Railway Station.
The Vande Bharat Express, which now links Katra to Srinagar, is a significant addition to the Union government’s infrastructure push in Jammu and Kashmir. But Omar Abdullah used the occasion to remind the Prime Minister and the country of the political aspirations of the region — particularly the demand for restoration of the statehood that was revoked following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Taking a personal tone, Omar reflected on his own political journey, drawing a contrast with that of the present Lieutenant Governor. “If you look at Mr. Manoj Sinha’s journey — due to the blessings of the deity — he got a promotion. As for me, I experienced a slight demotion,” he remarked, drawing both laughter and attention.
In a speech laced with emotion, nostalgia, and pointed political messaging, the Chief Minister recounted his long association with major railway events in the Union Territory. “Call it fate or destiny, but whenever there has been a major railway event, I have been fortunate enough to be associated with it — whether it was the inauguration of the Anantnag railway station or the opening of the Banihal rail tunnel,” he said.
Recalling Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Katra after taking office in 2014, the Chief Minister noted that the current moment carried a sense of déjàvu. “It is a coincidence that there were four people present at that event in 2014 — and today, all four are once again sitting with you on this stage.”
Omar also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for granting the Jammu–Baramulla rail project the status of a project of national importance. “This project was initiated in 1983–84. I told the media jokingly the other day that when this project began, I was in eighth grade. Today, I’m 55, my children are college graduates, and finally, this project is complete,” he said.
The Chief Minister welcomed the new train line as a major boon for the region, especially during highway disruptions caused by rain. “Whenever it rains and the highway shuts, the airlines start looting us. Tickets that normally cost ₹5,000 shoot up to ₹8,000. With this train, that exploitation will reduce, and travel will become easier.”
He also highlighted the economic advantages of railway connectivity for local agriculture. “Our apples, cherries and other fruits can now reach markets across the country more efficiently — and I hope, eventually, global markets too,” he said.
Omar acknowledged the central government’s push on infrastructure, citing the Jammu and Srinagar ring roads, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the Jammu–Srinagar highway four-laning project and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports. “Our full intention and committed effort is to complete these projects quickly and fulfill your slogan of ‘Viksit Jammu Kashmir, Viksit Bharat,’” he said.
The Chief Minister offered his “heartfelt gratitude and congratulations” to the Prime Minister and said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir look forward to more inclusive progress — “with statehood and dignity restored.” (KNO)
