Jammu-Katra rail link to be completed by March

Firozpur, Oct 10 (UNI) Pilgrims going to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir have something to cheer, as the long awaited Jammu-Katra railway link is expected to become operational by April next year.

''The rail link will be completed by March and will become operational in April next year, '' Northern Railways', Commercial Manager Brijesh Dharmani today said.

He pointed out that to assess the construction of the Katra railway station building and laying of the track between Jammu Tawi and Katra, a meeting of railway officials with officials of the J&K government was held at Jammu. This meeting was presided over by Divisional Railway Manager (Ferozpur) Vijay Gupta.

Mr Dharmani said that the railway station in Katra was under construction and would be completed soon.

He said that after completion of this vital link, seven trains will be extended from Jammu to Katra which will benefit a number of passengers, particularly those visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

Pilgrims and other passengers undertake this journey by bus.

He further said that in the meeting held at Jammu, some minor charges in the lay-out plan of the track were considered and another proposal to connect the track with some additional lines was also discussed.

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