Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually flagged off the train on the newly electrified Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan route

The move drew praise from National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah who expressed his thanks to PM Modi

"We needed it. It is important for our tourism and people. This is a big step that has been taken today. I congratulate the Railway Ministry, PM Modi for this," Farooq Abdullah said

"With the rail connecting us it solves lot of problems that would occur due to the road service, it also helps in the transport and supply of goods and services. I hope this service will bring progress to our people. We had hoped that this service would happen in 2007 but there were many difficulties due to the terrain but they have overcome this and now this service will start" the former Jammu and Kashmir CM said

Upon his arrival at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore

PM Modi also officially opened the IIT Jammu complex. The academic complex has 52 labs, 104 faculty offices and 27 lecture halls. The campus has hostel facilities for around 1,450 students. More than 1,400 students have been registered in various programmes currently

PM Modi also inaugurated 20 new buildings for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 13 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) across the country. These newly constructed KVs and NVs buildings will play an important role in meeting the educational needs of students across the country