People were seen at almost all railway stations between Rajwansher in Budgam district and Anantnag district from very early in the morning to get the tickets and be among the first ones to witness the historic moment.

Ali Mohammad Wani had reached Srinagar Railway station at Nowgam at 7.00 am although the train was scheduled to arrive much later.

"Before this we had seen trains only in Jammu, Delhi and other parts of India. This is the first time that it has come to our backyard and I wanted to be the first to savour the moment," Wani told PTI after his return journey from Anantnag.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav inaugurated and dedicated the train service to people yesterday in which ordinary residents were kept away from the function due to security reasons.

Wani, a carpet dealer residing in nearby Bagh-e-Mehtab area, gave thumbs up for the train service and facilities provided in it but wished that the frequency be increased so that it becomes more practical than symbolic.