Mock drill tests readiness at south Kashmir rly stations

The police on Tuesday conducted a mock drill at railway stations and tunnels in south Kashmir ahead of the launch of the first Srinagar-Delhi train service, which is likely to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January.

- Mir Ehsan

SRINAGAR:

Though a railway link was already started in Kashmir around 16 years ago, it was stand-alone in the Valley. This is the first time a railway network will be directly connected with the national network.

Earlier, the train used to run between Baramulla in Kashmir and Sangaldan in Jammu province. Now, with all tunnels and stretches complete, the rail will run between the summer capital of Srinagar and other parts of the country. "For us this is a big occasion and historical moment, so a mock drill was conducted at Qazigund railway station and other places. We will be conducting more mock drills in coming days," said a senior police officer in Kulgam. "The mock drill was part of the security and safety of railway lines, stations and tunnels," he added.