New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lauded the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, calling it a powerful symbol of the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to the rapid development of Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, is the highest railway arch bridge in the world and now serves as a vital rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
In a post on X, Shah emphasized how Jammu and Kashmir — once placed at the end of the priority list — is now witnessing unprecedented development under the Modi-led administration. “Jammu and Kashmir, where development was once neglected, is today progressing at the fastest pace under PM Modi’s leadership. The dedication of the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River reflects our unwavering resolve toward the region’s growth,” Shah stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who formally inaugurated the Chenab Bridge along with a series of other key infrastructure projects, described the occasion as a historic moment. He also flagged off two Vande Bharat trains in Jammu and Kashmir and laid the foundation stone for a new medical college.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “This is a festival of India’s unity and willpower. With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, Kashmir has now been connected by rail. The dream of generations has finally been fulfilled.”
Modi recounted how even former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had once spoken of waiting for the project’s completion since his school days. “We turned promises into reality, completing tasks that had remained unfinished for decades,” the Prime Minister said.
The newly launched Vande Bharat rail service is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar—from 6–7 hours by road to just around 3 hours by train. The route will cover engineering marvels such as the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, further showcasing India’s growing capabilities in infrastructure and technology.
The development marks a transformative leap in regional connectivity, offering safer, faster, and more reliable travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
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