Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6th to inaugurate the highly anticipated Kashmir rail project, a significant step in enhancing connectivity to the region. This will be his first visit since “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted terror infrastructure across the border in early May, following a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd that killed 26 people.
The centerpiece of his visit will be the dedication of the Chenab rail bridge, a crucial component of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will establish direct train connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauded the event on X, calling it “History in the making” and a “proud symbol of New India’s strength and vision!” The Chenab Bridge is recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge.
Following the bridge’s inauguration, Prime Minister Modi is expected to travel by train to Katra, inspecting India’s first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad en route and interacting with railway engineers involved in the project.
In Katra, a base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, Modi will flag off Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra to Baramulla and vice versa, signifying the completion of the Kashmir railway network. However, officials clarified that passengers traveling to and from Kashmir will need to change trains at Katra. After the inaugurations, the Prime Minister will address a public rally.
The USBRL project, which began in 1997, has faced numerous delays due to geological, topographical, and meteorological challenges, leading to a cost escalation exceeding Rs 41,000 crore. The 272 km project saw phased commissioning:
- October 2009: 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section
- June 2013: 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section
- July 2014: 25 km Udhampur-Katra section
- February 2024: 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan stretch
- June 2024: 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section
- December 2024: 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Railway officials highlight the project’s focus on safety, with 119 km of the track running through tunnels equipped with full CCTV surveillance. This ensures a “safer and more secure travel experience” across challenging landscapes.
The intervening 111 km Katra-Banihal section is predominantly tunnels, covering 97.4 km (87% of its total length). It includes the longest railway tunnel in the country, T-50, stretching over 12.77 km. In total, there are 25 main tunnels (97.42 km) and eight escape tunnels (66.4 km), cumulatively spanning 163.82 km. The provision of escape tunnels exceeding three km adheres to international safety and rescue standards.
The Katra-Banihal section also features 49 bridges, comprising 27 major and 16 minor bridges, with a combined length of 7.035 km. This includes four mega bridges: Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge, Bridge 220, and Bridge 224.
The Chenab Bridge, at 369 meters, stands as the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height. It is engineered to withstand wind speeds over 250 kmph and resist earthquakes, making it a monumental engineering feat.
An official stated, “Today, after nearly 30 years, the dream has become reality,” expressing optimism that the railway line will not only boost connectivity but also strengthen Kashmir’s economic, social, and emotional ties with the rest of India. The inauguration was originally planned for April but was postponed due to an inclement weather forecast.
