Srinagar, June 6 —In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The bridge, which now connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail, is a symbol of engineering excellence and national integration.
The Prime Minister also flagged off the first-ever direct train service from Kashmir to the Indian mainland, and inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge — both major milestones in the region’s infrastructure journey.
Defying Terror With Development
The event comes just weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack, and marks PM Modi’s first visit to the Valley following Operation Sindoor. His presence and the unveiling of these all-weather projects reflect a strong message — that peace and progress will continue undeterred.
“This bridge is not just steel and concrete. It’s a symbol of our resolve, unity, and belief in a stronger Jammu and Kashmir,” PM Modi said after walking across the Chenab Bridge with the Tricolour in hand.
He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Chenab Bridge – A Global Wonder
Height: 359 metres above the Chenab River (taller than the Eiffel Tower)
Cost: ₹1,486 crore
Steel Used: Over 28,000 megatonnes
Resilience: Earthquake-resistant and capable of withstanding extreme weather
Safety: Designed to allow train movement even after structural impact
This bridge is part of the 272-km USBRL project, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, built at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore. The project ensures all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
Anji Khad – India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge
Height above riverbed: 331 metres
Total length: 725 metres
Unique Design: Inverted Y-shaped pylon rising 193 metres
Cables: 96 high-tensile cables stretching over 650 km
Completion Time: Just 11 months
This bridge is not only an engineering first in the country but also enhances connectivity and cuts down travel time significantly.
Rs 46,000 Crore Development Projects in Katra
Following the bridge inaugurations, PM Modi is also set to launch developmental projects worth ₹46,000 crore in Katra, including road, health, and tourism infrastructure — reinforcing his government’s commitment to the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir.
A New Chapter for Kashmir
The successful completion of these projects is a major step in Jammu and Kashmir’s journey from conflict to connectivity. With railways now reaching the Valley, it opens up fresh possibilities for tourism, trade, and employment.
Date: June 6, 2025
