Jammu-Udhampur train delayed by a month

Inauguration of the Jammu-Udhampur rail link has been delayed by a month. The first passenger train on the track is likely to run in June.

According to Northern Railways sources, test runs have been conducted and fares have been finalised. It was only awaiting green signal from the ministry, said an official.

Fares had been decided keeping in mind the common man, said PS Sandhu, public relations officer of the Northern Railways.

Passengers travelling from Udhampur to Jammu and vice versa will have to pay Rs 13, Udhampur to Bajalta Rs 11, Udhampur to Ramnagar Rs 5, Udhampur to Sangral Rs 9 and Udhampur to Manwal Rs 8.

The authorities had acquired clearance for the official run of the train in April. The project was sanctioned in the eighties by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It had been hanging fire since then because of geo-technical problems and lack of funds.

The rail link is likely to chug in development in the Valley and help people save substantial commuting time between the summer and winter capitals of the state.

However, traders in Jammu feel that the rail link will hit their business.

"Jammu is the gateway to the Valley and base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrims. The rail link will rob Jammu of its importance and may impact the pilgrimage-related trade," said Inderjeet Khajuria, president of the Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association.

"The economy of Jammu is dependent on tourism, particularly the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The extension of railways to Udhampur will be fatal to Jammu's economy," he said.