PM Modi writes history, connects Kashmir with rest of country

• Dedicates USBRL project to nation
• Flags off first train to Kashmir Valley
• Inaugurates world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab River
• Unveils India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge – Anji Bridge
• Dedicates infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore to the nation

Jammu Tawi, Jun 6:  June 6, 2025, became the historic day for Jammu and Kashmir as the long cherished dream of connecting Kashmir with rest of the country with rail connectivity came true as Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote history by dedicating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation by flagging off the Vande Bharat train to Srinagar from Katra railway station in Reasi district.

PM Modi flagged off Vande Bharat in line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Prime Minister landed at Udhampur Air Force Station  this morning from there he flew to Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district. He was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Prime Minister inspected Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, a critical component of the USBRL project.  Standing 359 meters above the river, the 1,315-meter-long bridge is designed to withstand winds up to 260 kmph and seismic activity.  The Prime Minister walked to a viewpoint near the bridge and was briefed on its engineering marvels. He also visited a railway museum set up near the bridge, interacting with engineers and workers involved in the project.

The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, marking a significant step in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail.  The event included the release of commemorative coins and stamps to celebrate this engineering feat.

Following the Chenab Bridge event, the Prime Minister proceeded to inaugurate India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge, another critical component of the USBRL project. This bridge enhances connectivity between Katra and Srinagar, facilitating smoother rail operations in the region’s challenging terrain.

At noon, the Prime Minister flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar and back. These trains, designed for cold climate adaptability with advanced heating systems and anti-spall layers, will operate six days a week, covering the 190 km journey in approximately 3 hours.

The trains are expected to significantly boost tourism and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Stops include key stations such as Reasi and Banihal.

At Katra, the Prime Minister dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore to the nation. These included critical road infrastructure, flyovers in Srinagar, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the first medical college in Reasi district, valued at over Rs 350 crore. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for additional projects aimed at enhancing healthcare, education, and economic growth in the region.

After concluding the events in Katra, the Prime Minister has departed by helicopter from the Katra helipad at approximately 2:30 returning to Delhi.

J&K sees fastest infra growth under Modi Govt: Shah

Srinagar, Jun 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir is now witnessing the fastest pace of infrastructure growth under the Narendra Modi-led government.

“Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir was given the least priority in development. Under Modi government, it is witnessing rapid development. Today, Modi ji dedicated the world’s highest railway arch bridge ‘Chenab Rail Bridge’ to the public. This reflects our commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s progress,” Shah wrote on X.

He added, “This steel arch bridge built on the Chenab River is a living symbol of India’s engineering capability in the field of infrastructure.”

In another post, he wrote, “Congratulations to our sisters and brothers in J&K on the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji today. It will serve as a new artery of growth, making the progress of the region unstoppable. The two Vande Bharat trains flagged off today will instill more power in the region’s syncretic culture by boosting religious tourism to Vaishno Devi, while the new health and road projects worth ₹2,400 crore will further elevate living standards to a new height.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated several key railway and road infrastructure projects to the nation during his visit, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). The USBRL project is 272 km long and has been completed at a cost of over Rs 11,000 crore.

Officials said the Chenab Bridge is the tallest railway bridge in the world, standing at 359 metres above the riverbed. The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. These projects are part of a fully integrated all-weather railway route linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for new road projects worth ₹1,952 crore. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara section of NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444. Two flyovers were also inaugurated in Srinagar—one at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and another at Bemina Junction (NH-44)—to help reduce traffic pressure.

In the health sector, the foundation stone was laid for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra. The Rs 350 crore facility will be the first medical college in Reasi district.