Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 10: Political parties and fruit growers of Kashmir Valley have criticised the mandatory de-boarding of the train passengers at Katra.
Through media statements, they argued that the decision adds unnecessary inconvenience to the passengers and hampers the benefits of improved rail connectivity for Kashmiris.
Strongly condemning the move, PDP General Secretary Mohammad Khurshid Alam called the move as an “undue burden” on the public.
Alam emphasized that the promised convenience of train services for the people of Kashmir was being undermined, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those travelling for medical purposes.
“The decision subjects ordinary people to unnecessary hardships. Security concerns should not be used as an excuse to humiliate passengers by forcing them to de-board midway,” Alam said, urging authorities to reconsider the directive and streamline travel without compromising security.
Echoing these concerns, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari criticized the proposal for the upcoming Srinagar-Delhi train service, which also involves a mandatory stop at Katra for passengers to change trains.
Bukhari described the arrangement as “disturbing” and argued that the Srinagar-Delhi train should be a direct service, free from such disruptions.
He called for alternative security measures to ensure passengers’ comfort while addressing safety concerns.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union also weighed in, expressing disappointment over the revised Vande Bharat Express service.
The union, which had hoped for a direct rail connection to ease logistical challenges and boost the horticulture industry, voiced frustration at the missed opportunity to improve transportation of fresh produce from the Valley to Delhi.
“This additional inconvenience undermines the benefits of direct connectivity,” the union said, emphasizing the need for a dedicated goods train to facilitate smooth transport of fruits and vegetables.
While appreciating the Katra-Srinagar rail link and the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel, which is expected to improve tourism and accessibility, the union called on local and national authorities to ensure the operation of a direct Vande Bharat Express from Srinagar to Delhi to meet the region’s economic and logistical needs.
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