Excited schoolkids get a joyride on train's debut run

KATRA: There was a festive atmosphere at Katra railway station as students from different local schools turned up holding national flags, paintings and slogans on the Jammu-Kashmir rail link project.

They chanted slogans hailing the historic train run and also took a ride in the debut passenger rail service.Though at present the Vande Bharat train will run only from Katra, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that from September they will start operations from Jammu station, which is undergoing a revamp. Filled with excitement, school students said it was a big occasion for them. Niharika, a class-VII student, said, "I have never been to Srinagar, but with the launch of this train now I will be travelling to Srinagar with my family."Before flagging off the two Vande Bharat trains PM Modi inaugurated Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge. He travelled in a rail engine to reach the spots to inspect the bridges. He walked holding the Tricolour on the deck of Chenab bridge. He also spoke to the engineers and the workers of the project. tnn