SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the long-envisioned dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari via the railway network has finally been realised, describing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) as a symbol of India’s unity, resilience, and the new identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking during the inauguration of multiple infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore, including the Chenab and Anji Khad railway bridges, PM Modi said, “With the blessings of Vaishno Devi, Kashmir is now connected to Kanyakumari. USBRL is not just a name, it is the identity of a new Jammu and Kashmir.”
He highlighted that two new Vande Bharat trains were introduced in the region, and a new medical college, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, was inaugurated in Reasi. The Prime Minister emphasised that these developments will accelerate the region’s economic growth, improve health infrastructure, and boost connectivity.
Recalling the historic significance of the railway project, Modi said generations of people in Jammu and Kashmir had dreamt of such connectivity. Referring to a remark by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said, “Even as a student in Class 7 or 8, Omar had dreamt of this. I am proud that during my tenure, this dream has come true.”
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions, the Prime Minister said his government “challenged the challenges” to deliver infrastructure of global standards. “Walking across the Chenab and Anji bridges, I felt the dedication and hard work of every engineer and worker. These are not just bridges, they are symbols of our determination,” he remarked.
The Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world, stands higher than the Eiffel Tower, and is expected to become a major tourist attraction. The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, further enhancing the region’s strategic and touristic value.
“These projects are the foundation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. They will enable Kashmiri apples, dry fruits, and pashmina shawls to reach markets across the country faster than ever before, and allow residents to travel with greater ease,” he said.
Calling Jammu and Kashmir the “crown of Mother India”, Modi praised its rich culture, hospitality, talent, and natural beauty, noting that these are the true jewels of the crown.
The Prime Minister also shared that MBBS seat capacity in the region had grown from 500 to 1,300, with future plans to increase bed strength at the Reasi medical college from 300 to 500. “This college is built with contributions made to the Vaishno Devi shrine and will serve as a beacon of health for the region,” he said.
As the NDA government marks 11 years in power, PM Modi said that its mission remains “to serve the poor and bring inclusive development to every corner of India.”
Prime Minister Modi accused the neighbouring country of conspiring to derail Kashmir’s development and tourism. Referring to the recent terrorist strike in Pahalgam, he said, “Pakistan is a rival of tourism and livelihoods. The attack in Pahalgam was an assault on humanity and Kashmiryat. They targeted hardworking Kashmiris whose lives depend on tourism.”
He lamented the loss of Syed Aadil, a ponywalla who was working to support his family when terrorists took his life. “Tourism in Kashmir has seen a record-breaking revival over the past five years. Pakistan couldn’t digest this transformation and thus attempted to attack the backbone of Kashmir’s economy,” Modi said.
He lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for standing strong against terrorism and sending a clear message to the world. “The youth of the region have made a decisive choice to reject terrorism and embrace peace. Where once they saw no future, today they see hope in new shopping malls, cinemas, gardens, and in the possibility of Kashmir becoming a hub for film shooting and sports,” he added.
He also drew attention to the massive turnout at the Kheer Bhawani temple recently, terming it a sign of a changing mindset among the youth. With Eid and the Amarnath Yatra both approaching, Modi assured that such attacks would not be allowed to disturb the peace. “The Pahalgam attackers wanted unrest, but I will not let that unrest prevail,” he declared.
Recalling Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 6, the Prime Minister said it sent shockwaves across Pakistan. “Whenever they hear the name Operation Sindoor, they will remember their defeat. In their frustration, they attacked civilians, including children, and religious places in other parts of Jammu,” he said.
He expressed admiration for the residents of border areas who withstood cross-border shelling with courage. The government, he noted, has provided appointment letters to the kin of those killed in shelling and offered compensation. “We have given financial assistance to affected families Rs 2 lakh for houses that were heavily damaged and Rs 1 lakh for partially damaged homes,” he announced.
Calling on the youth of Kashmir to participate in the ‘Make in India’ defence initiatives, Modi invited them to contribute their innovations and talent to the nation’s security and technological advancement.
