J&K rail line to be operational by 2017

JAMMU: Kashmir will be connected by the railway line with rest of the country by 2017 and Katra-the base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine by 2013.

"Rail line (from Udhampur to Srinagar) date is given in 2017. Banihal-Qazigund day break this year December & line opening in 2013. Now let's wait & see", Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a re-tweet on a review meeting of railway and national highway projects here today.

Taking appraisal of the status of the two projects at a high-level meeting here today, Omar further re-tweeted to say "Katra now targeted for 2013 along with Banihal".

Chief Minister emphasized on timely completion of the railway projects to realise the cherished goal of modern and dependable communication in the state.