Faster rail network growth in Jammu and Kashmir, commits Suresh Prabhu

 There would be faster rail network growth in Jammu and Kashmir and connectivity provided to all the Northeastern states, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday.

"Indian Railways is committed for faster rail network in Jammu and Kashmir. The rail connectivity between Jammu region and the Kashmir valley through the Banihal tunnel provides all-weather connectivity with the rest of the country," he said in his budget address. Prabhu said the commissioning of Udhampur-Katra was "like a dream come true for millions of pilgrims".

He also said the Railways was "committed to provide rail connectivity to all the Northeastern States" and announced that Meghalaya has been brought on the railway map of India, while direct connectivity to Delhi has been provided to Arunachal Pradesh. Further, the Barak Valley of Assam would be brought on the broad gauge in March this year. "The work for connecting the remaining states of this (Northeastern) region is progressing well," the Minister said.