In his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir post Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-anticipated Kashmir rail project later this week, marking a milestone in the region's connectivity. Modi will start his visit on June 6 by dedicating to public the Chenab rail bridge, which is a key part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will provide direct train connectivity to the valley.
"History in the making... Just 3 days to go! The mighty Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, stands tall in Jammu and Kashmir...PM to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge on June 6. A proud symbol of New India's strength and vision," Union minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X.
After inaugurating the bridge, Modi is likely to travel by train to Katra and en route, will inspect India's first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad, officials said, adding that the PM will interact with railway engineers, including retired employees involved in the project.
At Katra, which is known as the base camp for the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, Modi will flag off Vande Bharat train from Katra to north Kashmir's Baramulla and another from Baramulla to Katra, signalling the completion of the project to link Kashmir by railway network.
However, the officials clarified that all the passengers to and from Kashmir will have to de-board at Katra and change trains. After the inauguration, Modi will address a public rally.
The work on the project to link Kashmir by train was started in 1997 and has missed several deadlines given the geological, topographical and meteorological challenges, leading to cost escalation and its completion at a cost of over Rs 41,000 crore.
According to railway officials, the staggering 119 km of the track runs through tunnels and has been equipped with full CCTV surveillance for passenger safety.
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