NEW DELHI, 6 JUNE: Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir), June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inspected the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. This historic visit marks a major milestone in India’s rail infrastructure and connectivity development.
Following the inspection, PM Modi met with key leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh. He also interacted with the engineers and workers involved in the construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), acknowledging their dedication and contribution to this engineering marvel.
PM Modi will formally inaugurate the Chenab Bridge later today, alongside several other major railway projects in the region. As part of his itinerary, the Prime Minister will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, a move set to drastically improve travel times and regional connectivity.
The Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, is the highest railway arch bridge in the world. The 1,315-metre-long steel structure is designed to endure seismic activity and high wind speeds, making it a symbol of both engineering excellence and resilience. The bridge is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, cutting travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just about three hours—a reduction of two to three hours from the current duration.
Another significant highlight of the visit is the inauguration of the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Located in challenging terrain, the bridge further strengthens rail access to the Kashmir Valley and demonstrates India’s capabilities in complex infrastructure development.
The USBRL project, under which both the Chenab and Anji bridges fall, is a 272-km-long mega initiative constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. It comprises 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges. Once fully operational, the USBRL will ensure seamless, all-weather railway connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, boosting economic activity, tourism, and national integration.
The two Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off by PM Modi are set to offer swift, comfortable, and modern travel options for pilgrims, residents, and tourists. These high-speed trains will play a crucial role in improving the region’s accessibility, especially to key pilgrimage sites like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
By dedicating the USBRL to the nation, PM Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure, enhancing mobility, and promoting socio-economic development in one of India’s most strategically significant regions.
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