PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab Bridge- World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge

Today, on June 6, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, unveiled a landmark package of development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore. This includes major infrastructure, railway, healthcare, and connectivity initiatives, all aimed at ushering in a new era of prosperity and growth in the region. Addressing the public from the land of Veer Zorawar Singh, the Prime Minister hailed the day as a celebration of unity, resilience, and national integration.

PM Modi inaugurated the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL), officially connecting Kashmir Valley to the rest of India’s extensive rail network. Calling it a “Symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s new strength,” he noted that generations had longed for this connectivity, and the dream has finally materialised under his government’s watch.

Engineering Marvels: Chenab and Anji Bridges

Among the crown jewels of this development thrust are the Chenab and Anji Rail Bridges. The Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 metres, outstrips even the Eiffel Tower in height. PM Modi praised the engineering prowess behind the project, calling it a “living symbol of India's capability.” The Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-supported railway bridge, has also been inaugurated, marking another breakthrough in railway infrastructure.

Both structures are expected to transform regional tourism and trade. Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off by PM Modi will now travel seamlessly between Katra and Srinagar in under three hours, cutting the current travel time by nearly 50 per cent. These high-speed services will provide a major boost to tourism, ease pilgrim travel, and open markets for Kashmiri goods.

Boost to Healthcare and Education

In line with public services, the foundation stone was also laid for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. With a planned investment of over Rs 350 crore, this will be the first medical college in the Reasi district and add to the existing healthcare ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir. The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of the hospital from 300 to 500 beds, offering improved facilities for both locals and visiting devotees.

He further highlighted the presence of premier institutions like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIT, and Central Universities, along with state-level cancer institutes and seven new medical colleges opened in the last five years. MBBS seats have more than doubled, from 500 to 1,300, reflecting the government’s commitment to educational empowerment in the region.

Empowering the Economy and Local Industry

The new rail links will facilitate the transport of Kashmir’s world-famous apples, dry fruits, and Pashmina shawls to markets across the country, cutting logistics costs and expanding trade. PM Modi said this will open up vast opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and businesses.

He also appealed to the youth to contribute to India's manufacturing revolution, particularly in the defence sector under the ‘Mission Manufacturing’ initiative. “Every Indian-made product is a tribute to our workers’ hard work,” said the Prime Minister, encouraging people to embrace Atmanirbhar Bharat and support the ‘Make in India’ movement.

Strengthening Security and Border Resilience

In a strong message against terrorism, PM Modi highlighted recent efforts like Operation Sindoor, which targeted Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure. He condemned the recent Pahalgam attack and praised the resilience of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly young locals like Adil who sacrificed their lives for peace and progress.

To bolster border security, two new Border Battalions and two Women Battalions have been formed. Over 10,000 bunkers have been constructed in border districts, and ₹4,200 crore has been allocated for enhancing rural and border connectivity.

Connectivity, Infrastructure and Last-Mile Delivery

The Prime Minister also inaugurated two flyovers in Srinagar and laid the foundation stones for widening the Rafiabad-Kupwara road (NH-701) and the Shopian bypass (NH-444). These highway projects, worth over Rs 1,950 crore, aim to ease traffic congestion and improve last-mile access, particularly in remote areas.

Under the Vibrant Village Programme, around 1,800 km of roads will connect 400 previously isolated villages, bringing economic integration and development to India’s frontier areas.

Looking Ahead: Peace, Prosperity and Purpose

PM Modi concluded his address by reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir’s future is bright and full of potential. From bustling shopping centres to thriving cinema halls and spiritual fairs like the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, the state is stepping confidently into a new phase of stability and hope.

“No force can stop the development of Jammu & Kashmir now,” he declared, adding that the Centre will always stand by its people. With both infrastructural and emotional bridges being built, the Prime Minister's visit marks a defining chapter in the journey of India’s northernmost state.