India’s infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir is set for a significant boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, along with the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. The Prime Minister will also flag off Vande Bharat trains and dedicate multiple projects worth over USD 5.5 billion to the nation during his visit to the region.
The Chenab Bridge, standing 359 meters above the river, is a 1,315-meter-long steel arch structure designed to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds. This engineering marvel enhances connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, cutting travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just three hours via the new Vande Bharat train, a reduction of two to three hours from the existing routes. The Anji Bridge, built to withstand challenging terrain, is expected to serve as a critical link in the region’s rail infrastructure.
In addition to these rail advancements, Modi will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-kilometer-long rail corridor constructed at a cost of USD 5.2 billion. The project features 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, transforming regional mobility and facilitating socio-economic growth.
The Prime Minister will also launch two Vande Bharat Express trains, enhancing travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims along the route between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These trains offer modern amenities and faster travel speeds.
Additional infrastructure projects include the foundation stone for several road expansions aimed at boosting connectivity in border areas. Among these are the Rafiabad to Kupwara road widening on National Highway-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, collectively valued at USD 234 million. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two flyovers—one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44—which will help ease congestion and improve urban traffic flow.
Further strengthening regional healthcare, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, worth over USD 42 million. This institution will be the first medical college in Reasi district, significantly enhancing healthcare services in the region.
The Prime Minister’s visit marks a significant step in modernizing Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure, focusing on improved transportation, healthcare, and connectivity. These initiatives will drive economic progress, ensuring regional integration and long-term development for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
