In his speech, Narendra Modi invoked Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the "start made by Atal-ji of connecting J&K through railways, has to be taken ahead. The J&K CM expressed the concerns of the people, but development in Kashmir will not face any obstacles. Katra will now develop rapidly."

"I  heard people are already setting up businesses around the station. I assure you development of Jammu will not be hurt because of the railway link. Katra will become an economic centre.

"We will in fact make Jammu's development more qualitative. Katra will develop very fast in the coming times.

"The Vaishno Devi Express is a facility not only for the people of J&K but also for the people of India, who want to visit J&K .

"I also want to congratulate the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board. I assure you that there will be no shortage or obstacle in the development of Jammu.

"This train should be known as the Shri Shakti Express. The railway link is not just a gift for people of JK, it is for lakhs of Indians who want to visit Mata Vaishno Devi. Overall this is an auspicious occasion to provide railway services to the people," Modi said.