Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Katra-Udhampur-New Delhi Vaishnodevi Express. The 25km rail link between Katra and Udhampur traverses through 10 tunnels and 36 bridges.

Earlier Modi arrived in Katra in his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after becoming PM.  Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was present alongside Modi during the train inauguration ceremony.  

Modi is expected to visit Srinagar at 11 am where he will preside over a security review meeting attended by senior army and administration officials. Hevay restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, M R Gunj and Safakadal police station areas of Srinagar as a precautionary measure ahead of Modi's visit, a senior police official said.         

He said the restrictions were imposed as there was apprehension about some persons creating trouble during theprime minister's visit to the state today. 

Meanwhile, normal life across the Valley was disrupted due to the strike call given by all the three factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF against Modi's visit.