Srinagar: Senior leader M Y Tarigami on Tuesday welcomed the extension of the Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu but urged authorities to include a halt at Anantnag to ensure broader public benefit.
In a statement posted on social media, Tarigami termed the extension a positive step towards seamless connectivity between the two regions. However, he expressed concern that absence of a scheduled stop at Anantnag would deprive a significant population in south Kashmir of its advantages.
He said authorities must consider incorporating a halt in the area to make the service more inclusive and accessible to residents who rely on rail connectivity for travel, employment and healthcare needs.
The Vande Bharat Express service is set to operate directly between Srinagar and Jammu Tawi from March 1 following its extension beyond Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. [KNT]
