Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inspected and inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge stands as a symbol of engineering brilliance and national pride, soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River.
Following the inspection, PM Modi interacted with the workers behind the project and met with J\&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union MoS Jitendra Singh. The PM also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express trains along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), boosting connectivity in the region.
The USBRL project, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, spans 272 km, featuring 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges. Designed to endure harsh seismic and wind conditions, the 1,315-meter-long steel Chenab Bridge is a critical link connecting Jammu to Srinagar. With the new Vande Bharat trains, the travel time between Katra and Srinagar has been reduced by 2-3 hours, now taking only around 3 hours.
PM Modi also acknowledged the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built to operate in extremely challenging terrain.
He officially dedicated the USBRL project to the nation, celebrating its transformative role in establishing all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. The project is expected to significantly improve regional mobility, tourism, and socio-economic integration.
In a historic moment for pilgrims and locals, the PM flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, promising fast, comfortable, and reliable transport options for residents and visitors alike.