![LG Manoj Sinha speaking at the inauguration of Vistadome coach service between Banihal and Budgam on Thursday. -Excelsior/Shakeel LG Manoj Sinha speaking at the inauguration of Vistadome coach service between Banihal and Budgam on Thursday. -Excelsior/Shakeel](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Page1-4-10-696x471.jpg)
Pace of development very fast after scrapping of Art 370: Minister
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, today said that the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir is very fast after the abrogation of Article 370.
This, he said, while launching the much-awaited Vistadome coach in Kashmir along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here today.
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The Minister joined the ceremony through video-conferencing and the LG flagged off the first Vistadome coach to Banihal from Srinagar this evening.
Speaking on the occasion, the Railway Minister said, in the last nine years, Jammu Kashmir has changed a lot and the change is discernible on the ground.
“After abrogation of Article 370, development of Jammu and Kashmir is pacing fast. Recently, meetings of G20 were held in the UT. In Railways also, various development projects have been ongoing in Jammu Kashmir and the development work has been completed on Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, tunnels have been completed except on some portion,” he said.
The LG congratulated the people of J&K on the occasion and said that Vistadome coach will boost tourism in Kashmir.
Sinha said that there has been a substantial boost in tourism in recent times and the new Vistadome coach will further give impetus to the development of the area.
“The Vistadome services will have a profound impact on tourism and contribute to the economic growth and cultural enrichment of the region,” he said.
Sinha said that it is a big leap by Railways in the development of the Union Territory. “The state of the art Vistadome will attract tourists in large number and open up more livelihood generation avenues for the people living in the cities, towns and villages connected to all the railway stations enroute,” he added.
“We are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing Vistadome in Kashmir. Vistadome is a symbol that facilities available in developed countries are now accessible to people of J&K,” Sinha said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for elevating the travel experience of people and tourists.
The specially designed Vistadome coach is equipped with wide windows, revolving chairs and glass rooftop, offering the passengers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Dr Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament; Aftab Malik, Chairman, DDC Srinagar; Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor, SMC; senior officials of Northern Railways, Civil and Police Administration and people in large numbers attended the launch ceremony.