Jammu-Srinagar rail link will be opened by year-end:

Vaishnaw

Srinagar (Agencies):

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday that J&K will have Vande Bharat train by 2024 as the Jammu-Srinagar rail link will be opened by this year-end.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function in Baramulla district, the Railway Minister said that two more destinations in addition to Kupwara district will be connected by the Railways soon.

“Rail link across J&K will be improved by year-end. Telephone connectivity, double lines, apple trade, cement and pharmaceutical trade and parcel ser- vices will be ensured through rail link by the year-end,” the Railway Minister said.

Srinagar (Agencies): The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway that was closed for vehicular traffic due to shooting stones and mudslides at Mehar Cafeteria Ramban on Friday evening, has reopened, officials said on Saturday.

“After clearing the debris on NH-44, stranded vehicles are being allowed to move to their destinations,” Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police said. The highway is the lifeline of the Kashmir valley and the main road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. Kashmir-bound trucks laden with essential supplies and other vehicles pass through the highway.

Mirch Masala