PM Modi inaugurates Chenab Bridge, world’s highest rail arch bridge in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir to launch a slew of key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore.
Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand high seismic and wind loads. It will reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours.
PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed in one of the most challenging terrains in the region.
Present at the inauguration were Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Before the inauguration, PM Modi inspected the Chenab railway arch bridge and reviewed the project on-site. He also interacted with workers involved in the construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), acknowledging their contribution to the ambitious infrastructure effort.
As part of his J&K visit, PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, improving connectivity for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
A major highlight of the visit is the dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the nation. Spanning 272 km and built at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, the project includes 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
These initiatives aim to significantly boost road and rail connectivity across the Union Territory, with a focus on improving accessibility, promoting tourism, and generating employment.
In a post on X on Thursday, PM Modi responded to J&K National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, stating: “In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging.”
He added: “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities.”
In addition to the rail initiatives, PM Modi will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple road infrastructure projects aimed at improving last-mile and border area connectivity. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444—projects worth over ₹1,952 crore.
To ease urban congestion, the Prime Minister will inaugurate two new flyovers: one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44 in Srinagar.
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore facility will be the first medical college in Reasi district, aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and services in the region.
