news details |
|
|
| We will win hearts in J&K through development: PM | | PM Modi's first rendezvous with J&K | | Katra-Udhampur rail link flagged off
“Jammu's interests will be protected”
Syed Junaid Hashmi
KATRA, July 4: Desisting from using traditional language of calling Jammu and Kashmir, just Kashmir; Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that his objective is to win hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through development.
"My objective is to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, through development, and through their benefit", Modi said while adding that the intention is not political win or loss. He said the state of Jammu and Kashmir has passed through a difficult time; whether or not in power, it is our wish and our responsibility to improve the quality of life of the people, meet their aspirations, provide jobs to youth, and reach the last man in the line.
He made these remarks while addressing a rally after having flagged off first train from Katra to Udhampur in Katra today. He dedicated Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Udhampur railway line to the nation and said that this railway line is not just a gift to Jammu and Kashmir but to the entire nation, to 125 crore Indians who wish to come to the shrine. He said, he was proud to be placing this gift before them.
He said that this is a day that brings speed (gati) and energy (urja) to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. "Hum Jammu-Kashmir ke vikas ko urjawaan banaayenge, aur gati-waan banaayenge," said Modi while adding that Jammu and Kashmir has passed through very trying times and it is the desire of every Indian to ensure that the state makes progress and the youth here get employment.
"It is our duty, and we will do it, whether we are in power in the state or not. I want to give a message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the journey started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the state will be taken to its logical conclusion," said Modi. He stressed that train should be named Shri Shakti Express while advocating that Katra Railway Station be a model solar power railway station
He congratulated the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for facilities and technology used at the railway station for the benefit of the devotees. Prime Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir`s development will continue unhindered. And even with the new railway station at Katra, it will in fact be a more qualitative development. Modi said that his Government would work towards a common development model for Himalayan states from Jammu and Kashmir to the north-east.
He said Katra is now coming to the centre-stage in J&K`s development, and will contribute as an engine of growth for the state. He said his Government will continue to work towards fulfilling Vajpayee`s dream, by extending the line to Banihal. Modi also highlighted the fact that rail and bus connectivity have been combined for the first time. A passenger will be able to travel on both bus and train through a single ticket. He described this as a hybrid model.
He also observed that Katra is being connected to the rest of the country through six pairs of trains. Modi assured the people of India that modernization of railway stations in metro cities and important destinations like Jammu is priority for his Government. Speaking of the significance of the day, Modi said "today brings speed to the state of Jammu and Kashmir through this rail link, and energy through Uri-II hydro-electric project, which I shall be inaugurating later in the day."
He said that his Government will take this Vikas Yatra forward, establish new standards, and work for benefit of the common man. Stressing that Himalayan states have similar sets of problems and opportunities, Modi proposed "common model" for their development.
"I accept that there is need to have a separate policy and planning for development of the Himalayan states in India. All states located in Himalayan belt have same set of problems and diverse opportunities in similar nature," Modi said. He said, "We want to go for it and it will benefit not only Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) but also north- east. We are committed to move in that direction as well."
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 "development of Jammu will not be stalled." Modi said "When progress takes place at one place, some people at other places feel neglected as the Chief Minister has said about the apprehensions of the people of Jammu city."
He added "I want to assure people of Jammu that their interests will be protected. I do not believe anybody will come to Katra and not visit Jammu city." Modi said the Government will further enhance the rail connectivity in J&K and that the Banihal rail line will be linked to rest of country directly. Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Railways, Sadananda Gowda, the MoS Railways Manoj Sinha and MoS PMO Jitendra Singh, were present on the occasion.
Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda said wish of the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi was being fulfilled after a long time. MoS PMO Jitendra Singh remarked that the wish of the devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi had been fulfilled by Narendra Modi after becoming Prime Minister, in his first visit to the state. In his concluding remarks, the Chairman, Railway Board, Arunendra Kumar assured the Prime Minister that Katra Railway Station would be developed as a model solar energy station. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
