New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in April, inaugurated a series of critical infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the region’s connectivity and economy. The highlight of the visit was the launch of the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL), a project more than three decades in the making. Two standout engineering marvels were unveiled: the Chenab Rail Bridge, now the world’s highest railway arch towering 359 metres above the Chenab River, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. These structures, built in some of the country’s most challenging terrain, are expected to become symbols of resilience and development.
In a significant boost to regional transport, the Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Baramulla and Katra, with services set to begin on June 7. The timing of this visit is especially notable, coming shortly after Operation Sindoor—a series of precision strikes on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control. PM Modi reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism, stating that the country’s unity and resolve would ensure that those responsible for such attacks face the harshest consequences.
The USBRL project, first sanctioned in 1994 and given real momentum in 2002 under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, has faced repeated delays due to the Himalayan region’s complex geography. Over the years, the project was completed in phases: Qazigund to Baramulla in 2009, Banihal to Qazigund in 2013, Udhampur to Katra in 2014, and Banihal to Sangaldan in early 2024. The final leg from Sangaldan to Reasi, completed in December 2024, involved extensive tunneling and bridge work.
The Katra-Banihal section alone features 97.4 km of tunnels—more than 87% of the route—and 49 bridges, including the Chenab and Anji marvels. The Chenab Bridge, which cost Rs 1,486 crore, is designed to withstand wind speeds of 260 km/h and seismic shocks, while the Anji Bridge serves as a critical link in a region prone to natural disruptions. The entire USBRL project includes 943 bridges and 36 tunnels stretching across 119 km and has cost over Rs 43,780 crore to date.
Beyond strategic connectivity, the new infrastructure promises major economic benefits. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the development of five terminals between Baramulla and Jammu to facilitate the movement of goods like fruits and handicrafts. A successful trial of cherry shipments by rail from Kashmir could lead to broader logistics solutions for agricultural produce. The improved rail network will also reduce dependence on the frequently disrupted Jammu-Srinagar highway and help stabilize airfares, which often surge during weather-related closures.
PM Modi’s visit not only marks a milestone in infrastructure development but also sends a clear political message: India is committed to integrating and uplifting Jammu and Kashmir despite persistent threats. With enhanced connectivity and improved economic opportunities, the region now moves closer to a future rooted in progress, stability, and national unity.
