On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River, followed by the dedication of the Kashmir rail service to the nation.
Upon his arrival at the Udhampur Air Force station, the Prime Minister departed by helicopter for the Chenab bridge inauguration. Stringent multi-tier security measures are in place for his visit, which marks his first to the Union Territory since “Operation Sindoor.” This operation was launched by the Indian Armed Forces during the night of May 6-7, in retaliation to the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities.
Following the Chenab bridge inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate India’s first cable-stayed Anji bridge and flag off Vande Bharat trains. These events signify the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), establishing direct train connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country.
Additionally, at Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, Modi will lay foundation stones, inaugurate, and dedicate multiple development projects to the nation, collectively valued at over Rs 46,000 crore.
The USBRL project, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 43,780 crore, encompasses 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. This project aims to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, thereby transforming regional mobility and fostering socio-economic integration.
Prime Minister Modi will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains, operating between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These trains are expected to offer swift, comfortable, and reliable travel for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
To enhance last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas, Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various road projects. This includes the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass road on NH-444, valued at over Rs 1,952 crore. He will also inaugurate two flyover projects: one at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and another at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44, both designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve flow.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, costing over Rs 350 crore. This will be the first medical college in Reasi district, significantly boosting the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
Of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km had been commissioned in phases. The first phase, the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was commissioned in October 2009. This was followed by the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013, the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014, and the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February last year. The 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section was completed in June last year, and the remaining 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra was finalized in December 2024.
