“Today is a historic day in the journey of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Jammu & Kashmir,” said Gaurav Gupta, BJP Spokesperson for J&K UT, reacting to the launch of the first-ever train service to the Kashmir Valley by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He described the moment as monumental, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in the emotional and historical legacy it carries. “This milestone is a living tribute to Maharaja Pratap Singh Ji, the third and longest-serving Dogra ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, who first envisioned a railway link between Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1898,” Gupta stated.
He recalled that Maharaja Pratap Singh had commissioned British engineers to survey the challenging Himalayan terrain for the ambitious project. Between 1898 and 1909, three detailed reports were prepared, but the dream remained unrealised due to the indifference of the colonial government. “Today, 127 years later, that vision has finally become a reality under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi Ji,” he said.
“This is not just about a train reaching Kashmir — this is about fulfilling a long-standing dream of national integration and regional connectivity. It is a symbol of inclusive growth, unity, and empowerment for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” Gupta added.
He also praised the marvellous engineering that made this dream a reality. “Bringing a train to the Kashmir Valley is not only a political and emotional achievement — it is a stunning example of modern engineering overcoming one of the most difficult terrains in the world. The tunnels, bridges, and alignments constructed through the mighty Himalayas are a testament to India’s technological prowess and determination,” he noted.
Gupta emphasized that this milestone also fulfills a much larger national aspiration.
“This was once a dream — a train journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. And today, under PM Modi’s leadership, that dream has turned into a reality,” he declared.
Gaurav Gupta congratulated the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the entire nation on this landmark achievement. He hailed it as a powerful example of the Central Government’s commitment to transforming even the most remote regions through visionary planning and world-class infrastructure.
“This is New India. This is Modi’s India. And this is the era of Viksit Bharat,” he concluded.