SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated key infrastructure projects to the nation, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, Anji Rail Bridge, and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). He also flagged off Vande Bharat trains that will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, marking the completion of an all-weather railway route linking the Valley with the rest of the country.
According to officials, the USBRL project spans 272 km and has been completed at a cost of over Rs 11,000 crore. The Chenab Bridge, part of this project, is the world’s tallest railway bridge, standing at 359 metres above the riverbed. The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, present at the inauguration, said the launch of the USBRL and Vande Bharat connectivity to Kashmir fulfilled the long-standing vision of national leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Sinha said that since April 2022, development projects worth over Rs 1.15 lakh crore have been launched or dedicated by the Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that these projects reflect a shift in development post-August 2019 and show the Union Government’s push towards industrialisation and infrastructure in the region.
The LG said firm steps are being taken against militancy and its support systems. He highlighted “Operation Sindoor” as a recent response to the Pahalgam attack, calling it part of a broader security strategy.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of new road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,952 crore, including the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444. In addition, two flyovers were inaugurated in Srinagar—at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44)—to reduce traffic congestion.
In the healthcare sector, the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence was laid in Katra. The Rs 350 crore project will be the first medical college in Reasi district.
Officials said the new railway and road links are expected to improve connectivity in border districts and promote economic activity in the region.
