JKHARA disappointed

The Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA) has expressed its disappointment regarding the newly established halt point at Katra for the Srinagar-Delhi train service. This decision requires passengers traveling between these two regions to deboard at Katra and transfer to another train for their onward journey, significantly impacting the convenience and attractiveness of the service.

In a statement issued today, President of JKHARA, Babar Chowdhary, articulated the association's concerns: "We had high hopes that a direct rail service from Delhi to Srinagar would provide a significant boost to our tourism, horticulture, export, and other economic sectors. However, it has come to our attention through media reports that there will be no direct train service. Instead, passengers will encounter an unnecessary halt at Katra, which diminishes the allure of the rail service.”

Chowdhary further emphasized that the additional time lost at Katra to change trains renders this service less appealing to travellers. He remarked, “The bus service currently available takes roughly the same amount of time, even after accounting for any stopovers that might occur. This makes the new rail option less competitive.”

JKHARA believes that direct train service from Delhi to Srinagar is crucial for enhancing connectivity and economic development in the region. The association has high hopes that the government will proactively address this issue with the Central authorities and take steps to eliminate the halt point at Katra, restoring the direct route that the region so desperately needs.

As Jammu and Kashmir aim to attract more tourists and investors, direct rail connectivity is essential to facilitate travel and promote local industries effectively. The association urges the government to prioritize this matter and consider the potential benefits of a streamlined rail service for the region’s economy.