Modi Opens Katra Rail Link, Vows To Walk Vajpayee's Path

"The rail link is dedicated not only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also to the people of the country who come here in millions to pay obeisance at the Mata's shrine."

Modi underlined that his government would not discriminate between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region.

"When progress takes place at one place, some people at other places feel neglected ... as the chief minister has said about the apprehensions of the people of Jammu.

"I want to assure the people of Jammu that their interests will be protected. I do not believe anybody will come to Katra and not visit Jammu city.

"Building of infrastructure is a holistic exercise. Whenever development takes place at one place, its benefits reach all places."

Modi said people will be able to travel on their ticket from Katra to Udhampur by train and then take a bus to Banihal town, which is linked to the Kashmir Valley by rail through the Pir Panjal mountain range.

Banihal town is located 140 km from Udhampur, which is also linked by rail to Jammu.

He said six trains would operate in the coming days to Katra from different places of India.

"I am inaugurating two important functions in the state today," he went on.

"One is the Katra rail link and the other is a power project in the Kashmir Valley.

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