Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a series of landmark railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji. The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra, marking a major leap forward in rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said the newly inaugurated bridges are not just engineering structures but “living symbols of India’s strength” and a reflection of the nation’s aspirations and capabilities. “These are not just made of brick, cement, steel, and iron. They stand as testaments to India’s bright future and bold ambitions,” he remarked.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, Modi called it a “proclamation of Jammu and Kashmir’s new strength and a symbol of India’s growing capabilities.” He added, “Today, Kashmir Valley has been connected to the national rail network. We have often spoken of India from ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’—today, that idea has become a reality in rail connectivity as well.”
The Prime Minister expressed pride that this long-awaited project was completed under his government’s tenure. “Many generations in Jammu and Kashmir dreamt of railway connectivity. Even former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah recently recalled waiting for this project to be completed since he was in Class 7 or 8. This dream of lakhs has now been fulfilled. It is my good fortune that our government gave this project the momentum it needed and brought it to completion.”
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, and announced that development projects worth ₹46,000 crore are currently underway in the Union Territory.
Discussing the challenges faced during the USBRL project, the Prime Minister noted, “This was one of the most difficult railway projects in India. But our government believes in facing challenges head-on. From the Sonmarg tunnel to the Chenab and Anji bridges, we are committed to building all-weather infrastructure in this region.”
He described his personal experience of walking on the newly completed bridges, calling it a moment that reflected the “lofty intentions of India and the courage of our engineers and workers.”
Speaking about the Chenab Rail Bridge, Modi emphasized its global stature. “This is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, even higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Just as tourists visit the Eiffel Tower, I am confident people will come to witness this marvel in Jammu and Kashmir. It will soon become a major tourist destination.”
He also praised the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, as another example of cutting-edge engineering.
“These bridges will not only strengthen connectivity but also boost the local economy,” Modi added. “They will promote tourism and benefit multiple sectors, creating new economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, providing direct and faster rail connectivity between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.
