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The state of Jammu and Kashmir got its first ever train service on October 11, 2008. The Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh inaugurated the Srinagar to Anantnag train service on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He also inaugurated the Bhaglihar hydro-electricity project in Kashmir. According to chief administrative officer of Northern Railway, RK Gupta, it is a red letter day in the history of Indian railway as the administration has been able to operate a train service in Jammu and Kashmir.
The first train of Jammu and Kashmir will initially operate between Srinagar and Anantnag and later expand its connectivity through out the country. This train service was supposed to kick off much earlier but due to unconditional working condition in mountainous region it be could not be possible. The region between Qazigund and Udhampur was much difficult to work as engulfs the young Himalayan mountains. Lying tracks in such regions has been very difficult.
The officer of Northern railway stated that the engineers had to face lots of difficulty as they had to confront with unexpected geological surprises every now and then. Besides these, the railway department had to tackle lots of technical problems working in the valley. The starting of train service in Kashmir will no doubt improve the connectivity of the state besides offering viable means of transportation to the people.
