PM’s Katra visit marks milestone in Kashmir connectivity, religious tourism revival: GNSCT Chairman

STATE TIMES NEWS

KATRA: The Chairman of Guru Nanak Sewa Charitable Trust (GNSCT), Parvinder Singh Happy on Friday hailed the Prime Minister’s visit to the holy town of Katra as a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister inaugurated a flagship railway line that will now directly connect Kashmir to the national railway network-an achievement the Chairman called a “remarkable step” by the Modi government.

According to the Chairman, the direct rail connectivity to Kashmir will not only bridge physical distances but also open up vast economic opportunities for the region. The enhanced connectivity is expected to boost commerce, tourism, and employment, thereby contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the Valley.
He also stated that the Prime Minister’s visit has come at a crucial time, as the region prepares for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to begin next month. The visit has instilled renewed confidence among potential pilgrims and tourists across the country. Following the unfortunate Pahalgam incident earlier this year, there had been a noticeable decline in tourist activity. However, the PM’s presence in Katra has served as a powerful message that the situation is stable and under control.
The Chairman emphasized that the visit has dispelled fears regarding security and has reassured the nation that Jammu and Kashmir is safe for pilgrimage and travel. He added that security agencies have assured the deployment of a comprehensive, high-level security grid for the upcoming yatra to prevent any mishap and ensure the safety of all devotees.
Praising the Modi government’s continuous commitment to infrastructure and peace in the region, the Chairman stated that such visionary projects and high-profile visits contribute immensely to normalizing life in the Valley and integrating it more closely with the rest of the nation.
He concluded by saying that the inauguration of the railway line and the Prime Minister’s visit are more than symbolic gestures-they mark the dawn of a new era of development, unity, and spiritual resurgence in Jammu and Kashmir.