Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inspected the world’s highest railway arch bridge—the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge—located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This architectural marvel, built 359 metres above the Chenab River, is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Following the inspection, PM Modi met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State Jitendra Singh. He also interacted with the workers who contributed to the USBRL’s construction.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to officially inaugurate the Chenab Bridge later in the day, alongside multiple landmark railway projects aimed at boosting connectivity in the Union Territory.
A highlight of today’s events includes the flagging off of the Vande Bharat Express on the USBRL route from Katra to Srinagar. The ₹43,780-crore project spans 272 kilometres, featuring 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges—making it one of the most ambitious infrastructure ventures in Indian Railways history.
The Chenab Bridge, stretching 1,315 metres in length, is designed to endure seismic activity and strong winds. It is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just around three hours.
PM Modi will also inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, engineered to operate in difficult mountainous terrain.
By dedicating the USBRL project to the nation, the government aims to provide all-weather, reliable rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, thereby enhancing mobility and promoting economic integration with the rest of the country.
Additionally, two Vande Bharat Express trains will be flagged off between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, promising faster, more comfortable travel for locals, pilgrims, and tourists alike.
