CM Omar Abdullah Seeks Permanent Vande Bharat Express Halt at Anantnag Railway Station, Writes to Union Railway Minister

Anantnag, November 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written a demi-official (DO) letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking his personal intervention to ensure a permanent halt of the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag Railway Station, a move aimed at improving railway connectivity and providing much-needed convenience to thousands of passengers across South Kashmir.

In his letter dated November 2, 2026, the Chief Minister strongly advocated the conversion of the existing experimental halt at Anantnag Railway Station into a permanent stoppage, highlighting the growing transportation requirements and economic significance of the region.

According to the letter accessed by Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Omar Abdullah expressed appreciation for the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to strengthen railway infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister observed that the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar represents a major milestone in enhancing regional connectivity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Drawing the Union Railway Minister’s attention to the recent experimental halt of the Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag Railway Station, Abdullah stated that the facility had received an encouraging response from people across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly commuters from South Kashmir.

He noted that the experimental stoppage had considerably improved passenger convenience and stressed that its continuation on a permanent basis was a matter of significant public importance.

Anantnag Major Commercial and Transport Hub of South Kashmir

Highlighting the strategic importance of Anantnag, the Chief Minister pointed out that the district serves as one of the major commercial and transportation centres of South Kashmir, catering to a substantial population from several adjoining districts.

He maintained that a permanent Vande Bharat Express halt at Anantnag would provide easier access to railway services for a large number of passengers and further strengthen transportation facilities in the region.

The Chief Minister also emphasised that improved railway accessibility would contribute to the promotion of trade, tourism and other economic activities, thereby supporting the broader development of South Kashmir.

CM Seeks Railway Minister’s Personal Intervention

In his communication, Omar Abdullah specifically requested Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to personally intervene in the matter and consider converting the experimental stoppage into a permanent halt.

The Chief Minister underlined that the proposal reflected the genuine needs and aspirations of the people of South Kashmir and deserved favourable consideration.

He expressed hope that the Union Railway Ministry would respond positively to the request, keeping in view the wider public interest and the importance of improved transportation connectivity.

Permanent Halt Expected to Bring Major Relief to Commuters

The proposed permanent stoppage is expected to provide substantial relief to passengers travelling from Anantnag and neighbouring areas, who would benefit from improved access to the Vande Bharat Express service.

The facility could prove particularly beneficial for students, businesspersons, tourists, employees and other frequent travellers who depend on reliable railway connectivity between Kashmir and Jammu.

Besides enhancing passenger convenience, the permanent halt is expected to support commercial activities and tourism-related movement, strengthening Anantnag’s position as a key transportation hub in South Kashmir.

The Chief Minister’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the demand for a permanent Vande Bharat Express stoppage at Anantnag Railway Station.

The matter now awaits consideration by the Union Railway Ministry, with a final decision on the permanent halt yet to be announced.(KNC)