Winning Hearts of the People Through Development is Our Aim: PM Modi

[Dem!god]

10 Facts About the New Train That PM Flagged Off Today)

After the inauguration, Mr Modi promised that there would be no obstacle in the way of development in the state and said the train, which he suggested should be named Shreeshakti Express, would not just ease the journey of pilgrims to the popular shrine, but also aid development of the region.

"This is not just a mode of transportation. Infrastructure is the mother of development," he said, adding, "I want to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through development."

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present, said crores of pilgrims would benefit from the new train. Katra has so far been accessible by road. The train connectivity to the town is part of an ambitious Rs. 1,150-crore Kashmir rail link project which links the region with the rest of the country.

Both leaders acknowledged the role of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the effort to link J&K to the rest of the country - Mr Abdullah called his contribution "invaluable". Contentious and political issues were not brought up. "We can discuss the state's worries on another visit," Mr Abdullah said. (Watch: Omar Abdullah Recounts Vajpayee's 'Invaluable' Contribution)

From Katra, Mr Modi will head to J&K capital Srinagar, where he will address troops of the Indian Army at the Badami Bagh Cantonment. He will later lunch with Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhawan.

In Srinagar, big hoardings welcome Mr Modi, but shops, business establishments, schools and banks are closed in the state today and there is little traffic on the roads in most parts of the Valley. Separatists have called for a strike in protest against Mr Modi's visit.

There is massive deployment of security personnel in Srinagar and other sensitive places.

Mr Modi will also visit Uri to inaugurate the second phase of a hydel project. He will return to Delhi in the evening.

Winning Hearts of the People Through Development is Our Aim: PM Modi - NDTV