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| Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks at engineering marvel Chenab Rail Bridge. (Photo Source: X Account of PM Narendra Modi) |
June 7, 2025, New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, 2025 marked a significant milestone in the region’s development journey.
With over ₹46,000 crore worth of projects inaugurated and foundation stones laid, the event showcased transformative infrastructure feats like the world’s highest Chenab railway arch bridge and India’s first cable-stayed Anji rail bridge.
Alongside enhanced rail connectivity, the Prime Minister emphasized healthcare expansion, social welfare initiatives, and strengthened border security — all aimed at ushering in a new era of prosperity, unity, and progress for Jammu and Kashmir.
The centerpiece of the event was the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, which promise to transform rail connectivity in the region.
Historic Moment for Jammu & Kashmir
Addressing a large gathering in Katra, PM Modi hailed the event as a celebration of unity, infrastructure, and national resolve.
He invoked the revered phrase, saying, “We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying ‘from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,’ today, this has become a reality even in our railway network”.
He emphasized the significance of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project, stating, “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new, empowered Jammu & Kashmir and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength”.
The PM praised the engineering achievements behind the Chenab and Anji bridges, adding, “The Chenab and Anji Bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir”.
USBRL Project and Vande Bharat Trains
As part of the event, PM Modi dedicated the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, to the nation.
This project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
PM Modi also flagged off two new Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, marking a new era of high-speed rail connectivity for the region.
Engineering Marvels: Chenab & Anji Rail Bridges
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| PM Modi travels in Vande Bharat train from the Chenab Rail Bridge to Anji Rail Bridge. (Photo Source: X Account of PM Narendra Modi) |
Chenab Rail Bridge – World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge
Height: 359 meters above the Chenab River, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower (324 meters).
Length: 1,315 meters, with a 467-meter steel arch span.
Features: Constructed with blast-resistant steel and concrete, designed to withstand earthquakes and wind speeds up to 266 km/h, located in a high seismic zone.
Strategic Importance: Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, it connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail, reducing travel time and boosting regional integration, tourism, and economic development.
Impact: Reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar by 2–3 hours, especially benefiting the Vande Bharat Express service.
Anji Rail Bridge – India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge
PM Modi on Anji Rail Bridge. (Photo Source: X Account of PM Narendra Modi)
Anji Rail Bridge, first cable-stayed railway bridge in India, was inaugurated alongside the Chenab Bridge by PM Modi.
Location: Built over a deep gorge in the rugged terrain of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Significance: Symbolizes India’s advanced railway engineering capabilities and enhances safe, efficient rail connectivity in difficult mountainous terrain.
Role: Complements the Chenab Bridge in completing the USBRL project, improving transportation and strategic connectivity in the region.
Both bridges represent landmark achievements in Indian infrastructure, combining cutting-edge engineering with strategic and economic significance for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.
Additional Road and Flyover Projects
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Rafiabad-Kupwara road widening on NH-701, the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and inaugurated flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina Junctions in Srinagar, further enhancing connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the region.
Massive Economic Boost for the Region
PM Modi emphasized that the projects would:
* Boost tourism and hospitality in Kashmir
* Enable cheaper and faster transport of apples, dry fruits, and Pashmina products
* Open new markets for artisans and entrepreneurs
* Offer year-round travel options, especially during winter blockades
He said, “These landmark projects will not only boost tourism but also benefit various sectors of the economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries”.
A student in Sangaldan told the PM: “We’ve only seen trains in videos. Now, we’ll watch them pass by our homes.”
Strengthening Healthcare: New Medical College in Reasi
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the first medical college in Reasi district, to be established at a cost of over ₹350 crore.
He also announced the expansion of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence from 300 to 500 beds, the opening of seven new medical colleges in the last five years, and the increase of MBBS seats from 500 to 1,300. Two state-level cancer institutes have also been established recently.
PM Highlights Centre’s Social Welfare Achievements
PM Modi also highlighted several nationwide schemes implemented by his government that also benefit J&K:
* 4 crore homes built under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
* 10 crore LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana
* 50 crore people covered under Ayushman Bharat
* 2.5 crore households electrified under Saubhagya
* 12 crore toilets built under Swachh Bharat Mission
* Tap water to 12 crore homes via Jal Jeevan Mission
* ₹6,000/year support to 10 crore farmers under PM Kisan Yojana
Operation Sindoor: A Warning to Terrorism
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the PM declared: “Whenever Pakistan hears the name Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat”.
He accused Pakistan of trying to derail J&K’s progress by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, but asserted that such tactics have failed. The PM also lauded the courage of local youth like Adil, who lost his life resisting terrorists.
He further affirmed, “India won’t bow to terrorism, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism”.
Border Security and Relief Measures
PM Modi announced:
New relief package for shelling-affected families: ₹2 lakh for severely damaged homes, ₹1 lakh for partially damaged homes
* Over 10,000 bunkers built along the border
* Two new Border Battalions and two Women Battalions
* Kathua–Jammu Expressway being upgraded to six lanes
* 1,800 km of new roads to connect 400 previously isolated villages
* ₹4,200 crore allocated for border infrastructure
PM’s Call to Youth: Embrace ‘Make in India’
PM Modi encouraged youth to join Mission Manufacturing.
He highlighted India’s emergence as a top defense exporter and called for nationwide commitment to ‘Made in India’ products.
He said, “This is the time to dream big and build strong.”
Vision for a Prosperous J&K
PM Modi said: “Jammu and Kashmir is the crown jewel of India."
“With peace, progress, and partnership, we are scripting a new era for its people.”
He reaffirmed the Centre’s resolve to build a developed, empowered, and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, driven by infrastructure, education, innovation, and unity.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by:
* Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
* Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
* Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, V. Somanna, and Dr. Jitendra Singh.