Samba (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised the Vande Bharat Express after travelling on the newly launched Katra-Srinagar route on Thursday, calling the high-speed train the "best way" to commute between Srinagar and Jammu.
The CM said he would soon speak to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about increasing the frequency or capacity of the train to meet high demand on the route.
"The journey was very good. The train is excellent, and these days, if you have to come quickly from Srinagar to Jammu or vice versa, there is no better way than this. Secondly, it will definitely impact tourism. The demand is so much that as per what I am hearing, it has become very difficult to get tickets in this train for the next 1 month," Omar Abdullah said.
"After speaking to Railway Minister Ashwini ji, we will see if we can increase the frequency of this train or the carriages in this train, because the demand is very high. Now, to meet the demand, we will have to take some steps immediately," he added.
CM Abdullah also reviewed preparations for the Amarnath Yatra and upcoming Muharram, assuring that the administration is fully geared up.
"Today, I reviewed the situation in Jammu regarding the summers. I especially asked about the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram. All the preparations have been done from our side. Now we are waiting for the pilgrims and hope that their Yatra is comfortable."
Addressing the recent Air India plane crash, Abdullah urged restraint and patience while investigations are ongoing.
"Accountability will be fixed. Who said accountability will not be fixed? Right now, we do not know how the plane crashed. We should wait. Both the black boxes have been found. An inquiry has been set up..."
The Chief Minister also welcomed the return of tourists to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir Valley and Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
"I want to thank all the tourists who have started coming back to Jammu and Kashmir and especially Kashmir. Similarly, the number of pilgrims who stopped visiting Mata Vaishno Devi immediately after Pahalgam has also increased. Similarly, the trend of tourism is increasing in Kashmir...," he said.
The Vande Bharat Express operating on the newly launched Katra-Srinagar route is witnessing overwhelming demand from passengers, with bookings full for the next 10 days, according to railway authorities.
Earlier last week, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah travelled in the Vande Bharat train and paid obeisance at the Maa Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. Farooq Abdullah said that he had a 'good darshan' at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and that he prayed for prosperity and brotherhood in the region.