Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two landmark infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district—the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Bridge.
In a symbolic gesture celebrating national unity and pride, the Prime Minister waved the Tiranga atop the Chenab Bridge’s deck after a thorough inspection of the structure. He was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and MoS Jitendra Singh.
Both bridges form a critical part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)—an ambitious ₹43,780 crore project aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather, high-speed railway corridor.
The Chenab Railway Bridge, now the highest railway arch bridge in the world at 359 metres above the riverbed, connects the Katra-Sangaldan section and will officially integrate the Kashmir Valley into India’s national rail network for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Anji Bridge, the first-of-its-kind cable-stayed rail bridge in the country, has been constructed to tackle the challenges posed by the region’s rugged terrain and seismic activity. Together, these engineering marvels are set to revolutionize transportation and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to engineers and workers involved in the USBRL project, Prime Minister Modi lauded their perseverance and dedication in completing this complex infrastructure under demanding conditions.
The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, promising enhanced travel experiences for residents, pilgrims, and tourists.
The 272-km USBRL project includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, making it one of Indian Railways’ most challenging and transformative undertakings. It is expected to significantly boost regional economic activity, tourism, and social integration.
