Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated several significant infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the iconic Chenab Bridge, the Anji rail bridge, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. He also flagged off Vande Bharat trains, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, speaking at the event, highlighted the historical significance of these inaugurations, stating that the long-cherished dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari has become a reality. He emphasized that these railway projects, especially the USBRL and the Vande Bharat trains, fulfill the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India) as envisioned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the engineering marvels of the world’s tallest Chenab Railway Bridge and India’s first Cable-Stayed Anji Rail Bridge, noting that they bridge the gaps between the region and the rest of the country, fostering new aspirations for progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s transformative impact on Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years. He stated that the Union Territory’s holistic development has been a top priority, with various policies, swift implementation, and industrialization bringing it to the forefront of growth. He highlighted that since August 2019, a new socio-economic revolution has been ignited, with strong economic pillars built and new railway lines laid to accelerate J&K’s development. The Lieutenant Governor mentioned that development projects worth over Rs 1.15 Lakh Crore have been dedicated or had their foundation stones laid in Jammu and Kashmir since April 2022.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude for the firm actions taken against terrorism and its ecosystem, citing “Operation Sindoor” as a decisive response to a terrorist attack.
In addition to the railway projects, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several road projects to enhance last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas. These include the widening of the Rafiabad to Kupwara road (NH-701) and the construction of the Shopian bypass road (NH-444), collectively valued at over Rs 1,952 crore. He also inaugurated flyover projects at Sangrama Junction (NH-1, Srinagar) and Bemina Junction (NH-44) to ease traffic congestion.
Finally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, a project worth over Rs 350 crore, which will be the first medical college in the Reasi district and significantly contribute to the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
