June 11, 2025: Farooq boarded the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar, fulfilling a lifelong dream. On Tuesday, Farooq Abdullah, the former president of the National Conference and former chief minister, traveled by train from Srinagar to Katra with senior party leaders. Abdullah got emotional during the journey and said Kashmir had finally been connected with the rail network.
Abdullah stated that when Kashmir was finally connected to the country's rail network, it overwhelmed him and brought tears to his eyes. He stated, "The long wait has ended and our dream has come true...when Jaffer Sharief was the Railway Minister, he allocated a budget of Rs 100 crore for this rail line, and later (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee took interest in it... now, it is complete, and we are traveling by train and hope that it will bring prosperity and happiness to the people." He added, "Our dream has come true." Abdullah said. “Tourists will utilise the train service and our people will also travel with ease...our fruits will reach other parts of the country that will benefit Kashmiris... I hope that more trains, including the night service, will start soon.”
He stated that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway frequently became impassable, putting people at risk. Abdullah expressed his admiration for the train and commended the Railways for providing passengers with world-class services, stressing that this service would significantly boost J&K's tourism and trade. Abdullah said the Amarnath Yatra was about to commence and the devotees should travel by train. “Promising a wave of positive development and enhanced prosperity for the entire nation,” he stated, this initiative represented a significant step forward for the UT. NC chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who was also present during the train journey, wrote on X, “Took our first train ride from Srinagar to Katra. Truly impressed! The journey crosses the iconic Anji bridge and weaves through stunning tunnels. A remarkable experience.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s sons, Zamir and Zahir, minister Satish Sharma and Chief Minister’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani also accompanied Abdullah.