Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore in Jammu & Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure and economic expansion. Among the highlights of the event was the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
Addressing a gathering at Katra, Modi described the projects as a turning point in Jammu & Kashmir’s development journey, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity and fostering prosperity in the region. “We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying ‘From Kashmir to Kanyakumari.’ Today, this has become a reality even in our railway network,” he said, highlighting the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project (USBRL) as a symbol of India’s growing strength.
Modi underscored the strategic and economic impact of the Chenab and Anji bridges, stating that they will serve as gateways to prosperity, benefiting local businesses, tourism, and trade. The USBRL project, a 272-km rail corridor, establishes all-weather rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir, overcoming the challenges posed by harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions. The project features 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring seamless connectivity with the rest of India.
Additionally, Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains linking Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, offering faster travel times and boosting tourism. He also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, reinforcing efforts to enhance healthcare access for residents.
Referring to Jammu & Kashmir as “the crown jewel of India,” Modi reaffirmed the government’s stance against terrorism, declaring that India will not bow to extremist threats. He emphasized that the youth of J&K have resolved to fight terrorism, asserting that recent military actions—including Operation Sindoor—demonstrated India’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty.
Modi recalled the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, blaming Pakistan’s attempts to destabilize Kashmir’s flourishing tourism industry. He praised the resilience of local workers, condemning terrorism’s impact on hoteliers, porters, shopkeepers, and guides. “Whenever Pakistan hears the name Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat,” he asserted.
Announcing enhanced financial aid for families affected by cross-border shelling, Modi stated that households suffering severe damage would receive ₹2 lakh, while those with partial damage would be granted ₹1 lakh beyond previous support. He also confirmed the construction of 10,000 new bunkers and the formation of two new Border Battalions, further strengthening security operations.
Highlighting economic empowerment, Modi urged J&K’s youth to join India’s manufacturing revolution, particularly in defense production. “Operation Sindoor showed the world India’s strength,” he said, promoting Mission Manufacturing as a catalyst for job creation and technological innovation.
In closing, Modi reiterated his vision for a developed Jammu & Kashmir, celebrating the spirit of progress and unity driving the region toward a brighter future.
