Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two landmark railway bridges in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district – the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Railway Bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed Anji Bridge.
In a symbolic moment, the Prime Minister walked on the Chenab Bridge deck while waving the Indian national flag, underscoring the occasion’s significance.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Before the formal inauguration, PM Modi conducted an on-site inspection of the Chenab Railway Bridge.
During the event, the Prime Minister also held discussions with CM Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh.
The Prime Minister interacted with several workers involved in constructing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
Both bridges are integral parts of the USBRL project, which aims to revolutionise connectivity in the Union Territory.
The Chenab Railway Bridge, part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, rises 359 meters above the riverbed and links New Delhi to the Kashmir Valley through Katra for the first time in Indian history.
Its completion represents a major engineering achievement and a crucial step in integrating Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country.
The project is likely to enhance connectivity, boost local economies, and promote greater social cohesion in the region.
In addition to the bridge inaugurations, PM Modi will soon flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains operating between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable travel experience.
The Prime Minister will also formally dedicate the 272-km USBRL project, developed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, to the nation.
The project comprises 36 tunnels totalling 119 km and 943 bridges, creating an all-weather rail link that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India and aims to transform the region’s mobility and development landscape.
Also Read: PM Modi Inspects World’s Highest Chenab Railway Bridge In Jammu And Kashmir
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