Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic day in India’s infrastructure journey by inaugurating the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. The majestic Chenab bridge, a key part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, now stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and connectivity in the region.

After arriving at the Air Force station in Udhampur on Friday, PM Modi flew directly to the Chenab bridge site to officially inaugurate the iconic structure. This visit also holds significant importance as it is his first trip to the region following Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military action launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that tragically claimed 26 lives.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by key political and administrative figures including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. While at the site, Modi reviewed an exhibition on the USBRL project and interacted with engineers, laborers, and officials who played vital roles in executing this landmark venture.

Chenab Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering

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The newly inaugurated Chenab railway bridge is now officially recognized as the highest railway bridge in the world. Standing at a staggering height of 359 metres above the Chenab riverbed, the bridge soars 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. Its completion marks a significant achievement in India's transportation infrastructure, both in terms of technological prowess and national integration.

The Chenab bridge is a vital component of the USBRL project, which aims to integrate Kashmir with the Indian rail network. The entire rail link, stretching from Udhampur to Baramulla, has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore. This vast infrastructure endeavor features 36 tunnels with a combined length of 119 kilometers and an impressive total of 943 bridges, making it one of India’s most ambitious and complex rail projects to date.

Strengthening Connectivity with the Anji Bridge and Vande Bharat Trains

Alongside the Chenab bridge, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate the Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. This bridge adds yet another feather to India’s engineering cap and further strengthens rail connectivity in the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.

In another major step toward enhancing regional mobility, Modi will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains. These high-speed trains will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, completing the full 272-kilometer stretch of the USBRL. The introduction of these modern trains is expected to significantly reduce travel time while offering a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.

Boost to Regional Development and National Integration

The inauguration of the Chenab and Anji bridges, along with the Vande Bharat trains, is seen as a transformative moment for Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi emphasized that the USBRL project will not only improve transportation and mobility but also bring prosperity, employment opportunities, and a better quality of life to the people of the region. He described the rail link as a catalyst for regional development and a vital step toward strengthening national unity.

Enhanced Road and Traffic Infrastructure in Border Areas

In addition to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister also laid emphasis on improving road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. He inaugurated a series of road and flyover projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing accessibility in remote and border areas. These projects include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on National Highway 701, the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and the development of flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar.

These integrated infrastructure efforts—combining rail, road, and bridge development—represent a holistic approach to transforming mobility in Jammu and Kashmir and unlocking the region’s economic potential.

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