Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off new train to Vaishno Devi. Photo: PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off new train to Vaishno Devi. Photo: PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the Centre wants to win the hearts of people of Jammu and Kashmir through development as he flagged off the train linking Katra--the base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Trikuta hills--with the rest of the country.

Suggesting that the train be named 'Shree Shakti Express', Modi, who is on his maiden visit to J and K after assuming power, said the state has gone through many "problems and difficulties" and the country wants it to be "prosperous and peaceful".

The train connectivity to Katra is part of the ambitious Kashmir rail link project that will connect the Valley with the rest of the country. The last link between Katra and Banihal pass, is expected to be completed by 2018.

The 25-km long Udhampur-Katra line, commissioned after prolonged delays, has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,132.75 crore.

The train will traverse through seven tunnels and over 30 small and large bridges. There will be a small station - Chakrakhwal - between Udhampur and Katra. PM Narendra Modi PM Narendra Modi

Trains will be able to reach Katra directly as the 53-km Jammu-Udhampur rail line is already operational. This would enable lakhs of pilgrims headed to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine to travel directly to the base camp at Katra.

"I congratulate the crores of devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, who want to come here for pilgrimage from all across the country," Modi said while dedicating the train to the nation.

The prime minister said the new rail link will speed up the process of development in the state.

"The journey started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be continued... our priority is to win the hearts of every citizen of this state through development," Modi said.

Modi said the train is a gift not just for people of Jammu and Kashmir but for the whole of India.

At the function at the Katra station where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among others present, the prime minister refrained from touching upon any political issue facing the state.

The prime minister also allayed the fears of the people of Jammu, who feel that the direct rail link to Katra will have negative impact on the development of their city, saying the "development of Jammu will not be stalled."

Modi said the government will further enhance the rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir and that the Banihal rail line will be linked to the rest of the country directly.

Omar also raised the need for a Banihal link in his speech and demanded an an upgrade for the railway station in Jammu city.

According to the official, there are demands from several zones for train services to Katra.

A set of local trains from Jammu to Katra and Pathankot to Katra is also likely to be introduced to cater to the rush of Vaishno Devi pilgrims. An estimated 10 million devotees visit the shrine every year.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been stationed at vulnerable locations all along the track in protected bunkers to maintain round-the-clock vigil. PM Narendra Modi with Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. Photo: PTI. PM Narendra Modi with Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. Photo: PTI.

Katra station is equipped with modern facilities, including tourist guide counter, cloak room, waiting hall, VIP lounge, escalators and lifts and parking spaces.

11:03 am: PM suggests that new train to Katra be named Shreeshakti Express.



11:00 am: I have come here to Mata Vaishno Devi. I remember I began election campaign from here and today we begin our development journey from here: PM.

10:59 am: Today Jammu and Kashmir will get both speed and energy. I am inaugurating this and a power project later today: PM Narendra Modi.

10:58 am: The start made by Atalji of connecting Jammu and Kashmir through Railways, we have to take this ahead: PM.

10:56 am: I assure people of India that we will make our railway stations modern with proper facilities: PM Modi.

10:50 am: We will infact make Jammu's development more qualitative. Katra will develop very fast in the coming times: PM.

10:48 am: I assure you that there will be no shortage or obstacle in the development of Jammu: PM Modi

10:45 am: This is a facility not only for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also for the people of India, who want to visit Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi.



10:43 am: On one hand Amarnath Yatra is on. On the other hand it is Holy Month of Ramzan and here is a facility to connect devotees with Vaishno Devi: PM.

10:38 am: Hope Centre will extend rail network to areas like Sonmarg: Omar Abdullah.

10:35 am: We want a modern station for Jammu, says Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah.



10:15 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off inaugural train from Katra in Jammu, the base camp for Vaishno Devi shrine.



10:10 am: PM Narendra Modi reaches Katra to flag off special train to Vaishno Devi.

09:59 am: National Security Advisor Ajeet Doval is accompanying Modi on his maiden visit to the state after he took over as the country's prime minister.

09:55 am: He was received by Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, state Minister for Higher Education Muhammad Akbar Lone, state Chief Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khandey, state police chief K. Rajendra Kumar and other senior officials.



09:50 am: The prime minister's special aircraft landed in the technical area of Jammu airport.