RAJNI SHARMMA

The regular train service between Jammu and Chandigarh via Amritsar was a long pending demand of people of J&K and the good news has just arrived with railways minister himself giving nod to the proposal. The announcement has given relief to big chunk of population which commutes on regular basis between Temple City and the City Beautiful. The acumen shown by those who have conceived this proposal is praiseworthy as they have included holy City of Amritsar in the itinerary thus facilitating people to travel between these most visited cities of north India paving way for tourism promotion and ensuring a journey full of comfort and ease.  Earlier, people were finding it very difficult to travel between aforesaid cities as they have to rely only on government and privately run buses besides the train service which catered to the needs of commuters only twice a week.
The demand for regular train between Jammu and Chandigarh was not only confined to Jammu and Kashmir but the Union Territory of Chandigarh was also seeking the same service for its people who frequently visit J&K on business and site-seeing tours. Besides, the service will prove as boon for the devotees of Mata Vaishno Deviji and other shrines situated in this part of the country. The decision on running regular train services is again an indication of government’s resolve to focus on J&K UT as far as infra set-up and public welfare services are concerned. This decision of central dispensation benefitting huge section of society is another in the series of its people friendly approach in UT of J&K and surely it will raise the hopes of people dwelling here that more of such bounties are in the offing. What is important now for the people of J&K is to utilize the available facilities optimally and avail earnestly the benefits of public welfare schemes. As the Prime Minister has said in the campaigning trail to last Lok Sabha elections, the things are changing in J&K in a most favourable manner this regular train service is just the beginning. As the working of central dispensation is concerned, it seems that PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have asked all the helmsmen manning the affairs of J&K UT to take steps with utmost care so that each and every segment of society gets equal benefits with no discrimination and prejudice. With trains chugging between Jammu and Chandigarh daily people will soon take sigh of relief as they are now free from the clutches of private bus operators and travel agents who used to fleece passengers travelling on this route by taking undue advantage of helplessness of those who intended to visit Chandigarh or vice versa.