PM Modi inaugurates Chenab Bridge, world’s highest rail arch, and launches key infrastructure projects in J&K

In his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic day by unveiling a series of landmark infrastructure projects aimed at transforming connectivity and development in the region.

Also Read:PM Modi to visit Kashmir for first time after Pahalgam attack: 6 major developments

The centrepiece of his visit was the inauguration of the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, towering 359 meters above the Chenab River. Spanning 1,315 meters, this engineering marvel is built to endure extreme seismic activity and strong winds, symbolizing a new chapter in Indian railway innovation.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir today. PM will also inaugurate Chenab bridge - world’s highest railway arch bridge today. pic.twitter.com/SoquIn9oAI

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir today. PM will also inaugurate Chenab bridge - world’s highest railway arch bridge today. pic.twitter.com/SoquIn9oAI

— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025

">June 6, 2025

Further strengthening Kashmir’s rail connectivity, PM Modi flagged off the Jammu-Srinagar direct train service, marking a major step in integrating the valley with the national railway grid. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, launched today, reduces travel time to just three hours, greatly enhancing convenience and mobility for passengers.

He also inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Bridge, designed to overcome the difficult geographical terrain of the region. In addition, Modi formally launched the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, covering 272 km and comprising 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges. With a budget of Rs 43,780 crore, this project is aimed at ensuring seamless, all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.

Modi’s visit also included laying the foundation stones for road connectivity projects aimed at improving border and remote access, as well as launching a Rs 350 crore medical institute in Katra, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Excellence, set to become Reasi district’s first medical college.