Katra-Srinagar rail link sparks optimism among trade, tourism bodies

Srinagar, Jun  5: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares to witness the formal inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar direct rail link, a wave of optimism and enthusiasm has swept across the business and tourism communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Jammu have all praised the landmark infrastructure development as a long-awaited game-changer for the region.

Historic Development: KCCI

In a strong endorsement, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) called the railway project a "historic and transformative development" that will not only ease transportation but also strengthen the economic foundations of the Kashmir Valley.

"The direct rail connectivity will provide immense relief to commuters and reduce the over-dependence on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which remains prone to frequent disruptions," KCCI said in a statement. "It ensures a safe, reliable, and all-weather transport system, meeting a long-pending regional demand."

KCCI appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister NarendraModi and the Central Government for completing this critical infrastructure project. The Chamber said the new rail corridor will catalyse growth across key sectors such as tourism, trade, and logistics by cutting travel time and operational costs.

Looking ahead, KCCI expressed optimism about the introduction of direct train services from Srinagar to Jammu and Delhi without halting points, enhancing passenger convenience and inter-state connectivity. It also stressed the need for cargo train services to realise the full economic potential of Kashmir.

“Freight operations will facilitate cost-effective transportation of horticulture produce, handicrafts, and other local goods to major Indian markets,” it noted, adding that it would benefit farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs alike.

KCCI further highlighted that cargo trains would streamline the import of essential raw materials, improve production cycles, and lower logistics costs, creating a more competitive and resilient industrial ecosystem in Kashmir.

Rail Link Will Be Tourism’s Lifeline: TASK

The Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) also welcomed the development, calling it a turning point for the region’s travel and tourism industry.

“The railway network is more than infrastructure — it is a bridge of opportunity,” said Muhammad Ibrahim Siah, President of TASK. “With better accessibility, Kashmir will witness a major influx of tourists. We expect this rail line to become a lifeline for our economy, especially during off-season months.”

TASK General Secretary WaseemGosani echoed the sentiment, saying, “The opening of this route marks a new era for travel in the region. It will bring convenience to thousands of travellers, while also creating new opportunities for local businesses. Better connectivity means higher footfall, longer stays, and a vital economic boost.”

The tourism body also believes that the railway network will help decongest road traffic, lower transport costs, and make travel to Kashmir more accessible and appealing, especially to domestic tourists from smaller cities.

Economic Breakthrough: ICC Jammu

Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu, RahulSahai called the project a "landmark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir" and hailed Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in seeing through one of the most strategically significant infrastructure undertakings in the country.

“The completion of this long-pending railway line is nothing short of a civil engineering marvel,” Sahai said. “The Prime Minister’s commitment to connect Kashmir to the rest of India is a powerful statement of national integration and inclusive development.”

He emphasised that the Jammu-Kashmir train service will open new avenues for trade, tourism, logistics, and industrial cooperation. “Jammu will emerge as a crucial economic hub—a gateway for goods, people, and ideas between Kashmir and the rest of India,” Sahai added.

Sahai also expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor ManojSinha for addressing the long-standing demand of stakeholders to begin the train service from Jammu instead of Katra.

This decision will boost Jammu’s role as a logistical and economic nerve centre of the Union Territory,” he said, adding that the ICC Jammu will actively collaborate with stakeholders to ensure widespread benefits from the project.