Srinagar, Jun 6 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated key railway infrastructure and launched multiple development initiatives during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, including the world’s highest railway arch bridge on Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji.
As per details collected by news agency JKNS stated that PM Modi began his visit by inspecting the S-70 View Point at the Chenab Bridge deck a vantage point showcasing the engineering marvel standing 359 metres above the river.
He then interacted with the team working on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, appreciating their efforts in executing one of India’s most challenging rail projects in the Himalayan region.
As part of the USBRL project, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, which spans 1,315 metres and is engineered to withstand seismic and high wind conditions. The bridge is expected to cut travel time between Katra and Srinagar to around three hours.
Following this, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built in difficult mountainous terrain. He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar, enhancing fast-track connectivity for pilgrims, tourists, and residents alike.
Notably, the 272-km USBRL project, costing around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. With the final leg now complete, the project offers seamless all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, aiming to boost regional integration and development.
At Katra, PM Modi inaugurated, laid foundation stones, and dedicated several development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore to the nation. These include major road and infrastructure projects such as the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on NH-701 and the Shopian bypass on NH-444, with a combined value of over Rs 1,952 crore.
Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated two major flyovers at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44) to ease traffic flow in Srinagar city.
In the health sector, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi, which will be the district’s first medical college, with an investment exceeding Rs 350 crore. (JKNS)
