Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects exceeding ₹46,000 crore. His visit will focus on enhancing rail and road infrastructure, improving connectivity, and boosting healthcare facilities in the region.
At approximately 11 AM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 meters above the river. This 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge is designed to withstand seismic and wind conditions. Its completion is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours via the new Vande Bharat trains.
Following this, he will inaugurate the Anji Bridge, which is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge built in challenging terrain. Around 12 PM, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar, aiming to provide swift and comfortable travel for various commuters.
A significant highlight of the visit will be the dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. This 272 km long project, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, establishing all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara (NH-701) and the construction of Shopian bypass road (NH-444), worth over ₹1,952 crore. He will also inaugurate two flyover projects: one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44, both aimed at easing traffic congestion.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, a project valued at over ₹350 crore. This will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, significantly contributing to regional healthcare.
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first to the territory following ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan on May 7, which were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
