Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday Article 370 of the Constitution was a roadblock for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the journey of progress in the region began with the launch of the Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express train.
Accompanied by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Harsh Vardhan, Shah flagged off the train from the New Delhi railway station.
The ministers said the twin moves of the government -- abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and launch of the Vande Bharat Express -- will bring new India to a new Jammu and Kashmir and create a new history for the region.
Flagging off the second such indigenous train, Shah said, "I believe that not only Article 370 was a roadblock for the unity of this country, but it was also the biggest roadblock for the development of Kashmir. I am sure that after the removal of this Article, we will be successful in completely eradicating terrorism and the ideas promoting terrorism in the area."