Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir on Friday for the first time since the Pahalgam terror attack. During his visit, he launched and inaugurated several major development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore, mainly in Katra region.
These projects aim to improve connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen healthcare and infrastructure in the region.
PM Modi inaugurates Chenab bridge
One of the biggest highlights of the visit was the inauguration of Chenab Rail Bridge, which is now the world’s tallest railway arch bridge. Built at a height of 359 metres above Chenab River, the bridge is 1,315 metres long and designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. It will help connect Jammu and Srinagar more efficiently, reducing travel time and improving safety in this mountainous area. He also inspected the bridge before the inauguration.
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#WATCH | PM Modi speaks with J&K CM Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw & Union Minister Jitendra Singh as he watches an exhibition on USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project; also interacts with people who worked on the project. #KashmirOnTrack… pic.twitter.com/ieJRDpzT9R
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025
Anji Bridge was also inaugurated. It is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. It is another engineering marvel that will provide a stable railway connection in the difficult terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
Vande Bharat trains to be flagged off
PM Modi also flaged off two Vande Bharat Express trains that will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These semi-high-speed trains will make the journey between Katra and Srinagar much faster, taking just 3 hours, and will offer a comfortable, reliable option for pilgrims, tourists and local residents.
Another major achievement will be the dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. This 272-km-long railway project has been under construction for years and includes 36 tunnels (stretching across 119 km) and 943 bridges. It has been built at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore. The USBRL will offer all-weather, direct railway connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, helping in both regional development and faster mobility.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra. Built at a cost of over Rs 350 crore, this will be the first medical college in Reasi district and is expected to improve healthcare access and medical education in the region.
