Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 11 years at the helm of the country, describing his tenure as one marked by unwavering dedication, service, and good governance. She also celebrated the inauguration of the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir—as a landmark moment in India’s engineering and infrastructure history.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister praised the Modi-led government for propelling India to “new heights of development, trust and global pride.” “11 years of dedication, service, and good governance! In the last 11 years, under the leadership of Hon'ble @narendramodi ji, India has touched new heights of development, trust, and global pride,” Gupta posted.
She also highlighted the Prime Minister’s latest infrastructural milestone—the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge, which now holds the distinction of being the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. “Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world's highest railway bridge—Chenab Bridge, a unique marvel of Indian engineering, in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir,” Gupta added.
Describing the bridge as a symbol of national resolve, Gupta noted: “This bridge is not just a structure—it is a symbol of the confidence, determination, and speed of the new India.”
In her concluding message, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Modi for what she called a historic achievement, stating: “Hearty thanks and congratulations to the Prime Minister for this historic achievement.”
PM Modi’s visit to J&K: A moment of national pride
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate the Chenab Railway Bridge, as well as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge. The bridges are critical components of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley with the national rail network.
In a powerful symbolic gesture, the Prime Minister waved the Indian national flag (Tiranga) while walking across the Chenab Bridge, showcasing national unity and pride. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
PM Modi personally inspected the engineering marvel before officially inaugurating it. The Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, and is now the highest railway bridge in the world. It forms the first-ever direct rail link between New Delhi and Kashmir.
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The USBRL project posed numerous engineering and logistical hurdles due to the mountainous and seismic-prone terrain of Jammu and Kashmir. However, after years of determined effort, the Chenab Bridge has emerged as a shining example of India’s technical capability and commitment to infrastructure-driven development.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 43,780 crore, the USBRL project spans 272 kilometers, includes 36 tunnels covering 119 kilometers and 943 bridges. It ensures seamless, all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country for the first time in independent India’s history. The bridge is now expected to play a transformative role in enhancing regional mobility, accelerating economic development, and enabling deeper social integration within the Union Territory.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These high-speed trains will provide a faster, comfortable, and reliable travel option for commuters, including local residents, pilgrims, and tourists alike. The inauguration of these trains and the completion of the USBRL project are seen as critical steps towards realizing the government’s vision of New India, especially in terms of connectivity and inclusive growth in the country’s farthest regions.
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