KATRA, JUNE 06: The Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) expresses its deep gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for inaugurating and flagging off the historic and long awaited Vande Bharat Express on the Katra–Srinagar railway line today. This landmark achievement marks a new era in connectivity, economic potential, and spiritual resurgence for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Prime Minister also inaugurated two engineering wonders of the modern age — the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Bridge, both located in the Reasi district along the Katra Srinagar route. CTTIK underscored that these iconic structures are not only engineering marvels but will soon emerge as major tourist attractions, drawing both domestic and international admiration.
In an official statement, Raj Kumar Padha, President of CTTIK, said that the train service to Srinagar will significantly boost spiritual and pilgrimage tourism, particularly to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, while simultaneously opening up new horizons for the business community across J&K, especially in Katra town. He emphasized that the enhanced rail connectivity will enable seamless transport for both passengers and goods, laying the foundation for increased trade, tourism, and overall economic activity in the region. With better accessibility and reduced travel time, a substantial rise in pilgrim turnout is anticipated, which will bring renewed energy to the hospitality, retail, and services sectors of Katra.
The members of CTTIK also expressed immense pride in the contribution of Indian engineers and technicians, whose expertise and dedication have led to the creation of world-class infrastructure in one of the country’s most challenging terrains. This milestone, according to Padha, reflects a visionary approach towards inclusive development, and the business community is not only hopeful but fully prepared to embrace the new opportunities that this infrastructure will bring.