Srinagar, Jun 11: The Centre's decision to introduce a stoppage for the Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express at Anantnag railway station has sparked optimism across south Kashmir, with residents, traders and political leaders saying the move will improve connectivity, facilitate travel and provide a boost to tourism and business in the region. The new halt, announced following discussions between Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, fulfils a long-pending demand of residents of South Kashmir, who had sought direct access to the flagship train service since its launch on the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor. Anantnag, the largest railway station between Banihal and Srinagar, serves as a commercial hub for South Kashmir and provides access to several tourist destinations, including Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag, Daksum, Achabal, Chatapal, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Aharbal.