Train to Kashmir: Dogra Maharaja Pratap Singh's dream turns a reality

A train to the Kashmir valley through the arduous Shivalik and Pir Panjal mountain ranges is more than a century-old ambitious plan that is set to turn into reality on Friday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off a Vande Bharat train from Katra to Kashmir.

- ANIL BHATT

Modi will also inaugurate the Chenab bridge, which will be the world's highest railway arch bridge.

"What was once a vision proposed in the 19th century by Dogra maharaja Pratap Singh is now transforming into one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in independent India's history," a senior railway official said.

Vikramaditya Singh, grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh and son of former Sadr-e-Riyasat Karan Singh, said he feels proud that the Dogra ruler's plan conceived over 130 years ago has finally materialised.

"The railway line project to the Kashmir Valley was first envisaged and drawn up during Maharaja Pratap Singh's rule. It is a matter of great pride not only for the people of Jammu & Kashmir but for the entire nation that this dream will be realised by our prime minister," Singh, who has been a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir, told PTI.

The Dogra ruler had commissioned British engineers to survey the rugged terrain for a railway route to Kashmir, an ambitious project that remained unrealised for over a century.

He appointed three British engineers to prepare and execute detailed reports. However, two of the three reports prepared in 11 years between 1898 and 1909 were rejected.