The highest rail arch bridge in the world, the Chenab Bridge, is inaugurated by PM Modi in J&K.

The world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday while he was in Jammu and Kashmir to kickstart a number of important infrastructure projects totaling ₹46,000 crore.

The 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge, which rises 359 meters above the Chenab River, is designed to endure strong winds and seismic activity. It will cut down on the two to three-hour travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.

The Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge built in one of the region's most difficult terrains, was also officially opened by PM Modi. 

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the ceremony.

PM Modi examined the Chenab railway arch bridge and the project on-site before to the inauguration.  Additionally, he engaged with the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) construction workers, recognizing their contributions to the ambitious infrastructure project.

 PM Modi also inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra as part of his visit to J&K, enhancing connectivity for locals, visitors, and pilgrims.

The dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the country is one of the visit's main highlights.  The project, which was constructed at an approximate cost of ₹43,780 crore and spans 272 km, consists of 943 bridges and 36 tunnels totaling 119 km, guaranteeing all-weather rail service to the Kashmir Valley.

 With an emphasis on increasing accessibility, fostering tourism, and creating jobs, these projects seek to greatly increase road and rail connectivity throughout the Union Territory.

PM Modi replied to Omar Abdullah, the head of the J&K National Conference, in a post on X on Thursday, 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.”

 

PM Modi will also lay the groundwork and open a number of road infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity in the border and last mile in addition to the rail initiatives.  These include the Shopian bypass on NH-444 and the enlargement of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701, both of which are projects valued at more over ₹1,952 crore.

 Two new flyovers will be inaugurated by the prime minister in Srinagar to relieve urban congestion: one at Bemina Junction on NH-44 and one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra will also have its foundation stone laid by PM Modi.  The ₹350 crore facility, which will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, would improve the area's medical services and infrastructure.