pm-modi-says-kashmir-to-kanyakumari-rail-link-now-reality

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday celebrated the completion of the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, calling it a landmark achievement in India’s infrastructure development and a powerful symbol of national unity. Addressing a large gathering in Katra, he described the event as a grand celebration of India’s unity and collective willpower.

“Today’s programme is a grand celebration of India’s unity and willpower,” PM Modi said. “With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, Kashmir has now been connected to India’s vast railway network. For years, we’ve spoken of ‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ with reverence while describing Mata Bharti—today, that has become a railway reality,” he added.

#WATCH | Katra, J&K | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "... Unfortunately, our neighbouring country is against humanity and even the livelihood of the poor. What happened in Pahalgam on 22 April is an example of this. Pakistan attacked both 'insaniyat and Kashmiriyat' in… pic.twitter.com/m2sP4VubzT

— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025

Calling the moment deeply emotional and symbolic for the country, the Prime Minister said, “The dream of lakhs of people in Jammu & Kashmir has finally been fulfilled. It is indeed our government’s good fortune that this project picked up pace during our tenure, and we brought it to completion.”

Modi underlined the complexity of the USBRL project, noting that it posed significant engineering and logistical challenges. However, he said, the government resolved to confront those obstacles head-on. “We chose to challenge the challenge itself,” he remarked.

The USBRL project stretches 272 km and has been built at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore. It includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, enabling all-weather and seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. Recalling his recent visit to the Chenab and Anji bridges, Modi said, “While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I witnessed the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers.”

#WATCH | Katra, J&K | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "It has been 11 years since the BJP NDA government came into power. These 11 years have been dedicated to the welfare of the poor... With the efforts of the government, more than 25 crore people have fought against poverty… pic.twitter.com/nCYLQqFVYi

— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025

The Prime Minister inaugurated three major infrastructure achievements during the visit: the world’s highest railway arch bridge—Chenab Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—Anji Khad Bridge, and the first-ever direct train service linking Kashmir with the Indian mainland.

The occasion also carries additional significance as it comes just weeks after the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.

 

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