Vande Bharat Express to put J&K on development path

New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Article 370 of the Constitution was a roadblock for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the journey of progress in the region began with the launch of the Delhi- Katra Vande Bharat Express train.

Accompanied by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, Union ministers Jitendra Singh and Harsh Vardhan, Amit Shah flagged off the train from the New Delhi railway station.

The ministers said the twin moves of the government -- abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and launch of the Vande Bharat Express -- will bring new India to a new Jammu and Kashmir and create a new history for the region.

"I believe that not only Article 370 was a roadblock for the unity of this country, but it was also the biggest roadblock for the development of Kashmir.

I am sure that after the removal of this Article, we will be successful in completely eradicating terrorism and the ideas promoting terrorism in the area," said Amit Shah while flagging off the indigenous train.

"Within the next 10 years, Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the most-developed regions of the country and the journey of development has begun with Vande Bharat Express, which is set to boost development and promote religious tourism," he added.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was a gift for the people of the region after "three decades of struggle" and the launch of the train was another gift, which would contribute in building a "new Jammu and Kashmir".

"The Vande Bharat Express will bring new India to a new Jammu and Kashmir," he said.