Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Jammu and Kashmir on 19 April, where he was set to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar, has been postponed.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed the delay, stating, “The visit has been postponed due to the forecast of adverse weather conditions in the region.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir starting from 18 April, with the heaviest rainfall expected on 18 and 19 April.
In preparation for the Prime Minister’s visit, authorities had been conducting mock drills and test runs on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line, which spans 272 kilometres. A successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Express was held on Tuesday, 15 April.
Ahead of the visit, security in Jammu and Kashmir had been tightened. Forces carried out combing and search operations across several districts, including Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, and Ramban.
The two Vande Bharat Express trains, one from Srinagar to Katra and the other from Katra to Srinagar, were scheduled to run on the inauguration day, but the delay will affect the original plans.
Authorities are now closely monitoring the weather situation and will reschedule the visit once conditions improve.
