Kashmir’s train of development brings smiles

SRINAGAR: Kashmir is full of surprises. When prime minister Manmohan Singh flagged off the Valley’s first train on Saturday, the general sentiment was that of scepticism. Most thought the train would have near-empty runs, particularly in the aftermath of the recent violent protests over the Amarnath land row and the resurgent pro-Pak rallies.

But Sunday sprang a surprise. While the train of development did not stem the rallies, with scores of protesters fighting pitched battles with security forces in the old city, it sure brought smiles to many faces. Hundreds made a beeline to board the train, for a journey from Budgam to Anantnag, mostly for the fun of it.

An official spokesman said the train rolled out of Budgam at 7.25 am with 300 passengers eager to have their first experience of rail travel in the Valley.

“Another 400 jumped on at Anantnag for return journey. The number of passengers kept swelling as the 588-seater went from destination to destination. By the time it arrived in Srinagar, it was full. Many travelled standing,” he said.

“I feel lucky. It is a real treat,” M Ahmad, a commuter, said.

Chief area manager of the railways PK Gupta claimed the service reduced travel time by more than half. “It is also more comfortable. From Anantnag to Budgam, it takes two-and-a-half hours by road, but the distance is covered in an hour and six minutes by the train,” he said.

h_ishfaq@dnaindia.net