“Praying for Snowfall”: Farooq Abdullah Hails Vande Bharat as Kashmir New Lifeline

New Delhi, December 24, 2025: As the first major snowfall of the season blankets the peaks of the Kashmir Valley, National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah has hailed the newly introduced Vande Bharat Express as a transformative “lifeline” for the region.

Speaking to reporters on Monday after traveling from Katra to Srinagar aboard the high-speed train, Abdullah emphasized how the rail link is solving age-old connectivity issues that traditionally paralyzed the Valley during the harsh winter months.

A Blessing from the Skies

For Kashmir, snow is more than just a scenic backdrop; it is the backbone of its ecology and economy. Abdullah described the recent snowfall as a “blessing from Allah,” essential for replenishing water resources and supporting the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

“Snowfall is a blessing for us, and we pray that we are blessed with more,” Abdullah remarked. “It is crucial for our water availability and the overall well-being of the Valley.”

The timing of the snow coincides with the start of ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day period of harshest winter. While the snow brings hope for a tourism boom in resorts like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, it historically brought the region to a standstill—until now.

The Vande Bharat Advantage

The introduction of the Vande Bharat service between Srinagar and Katra has fundamentally changed the travel landscape. In previous years, heavy snow meant the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the frequent cancellation of flights due to poor visibility.

Abdullah noted that the train offers a dependable, all-weather alternative:

• Reliability: Unlike roads and air travel, the rail link remains operational even during heavy precipitation.
• Speed & Comfort: The modern coaches provide a major relief for students, patients, and traders who need to move between Jammu and Srinagar without the uncertainty of traffic jams.
• Economic Impact: Stable connectivity ensures that essential goods continue to flow into the Valley, preventing the price hikes often seen during winter blockades.

A New Era for Tourism

The combination of fresh snow and easy rail access is already showing results. Railway officials reported that trains are running at full capacity as tourists flock to witness the “shimmering silver carpet” on the mountains.

Visitors from across India expressed delight, noting that the Vande Bharat made their journey “smooth and hassle-free” despite the inclement weather. With Christmas and New Year approaching, the tourism industry is optimistic that this winter will mark a record-breaking revival for the sector.

Looking Ahead

When asked about the political climate, specifically the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah remained optimistic, stating simply that it “will come on time.” For now, however, the focus remains on the “white gold” falling from the sky and the blue-and-white train cutting through the frost—both of which are bringing a sense of renewal to the Valley.

Would you like me to find more details on the current Vande Bharat schedule for the Srinagar-Katra route?