PM Modi's Jammu & Kashmir Visit: Chenab Bridge Inauguration and ₹46,000 Crore Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. During this, he will inaugurate the world's highest railway arch bridge, Chenab bridge and will also launch India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, Anji bridge. Apart from this, he will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation several development projects costing more than Rs 46,000 crore in Katra.

The Chenab Rail Bridge, which is located at a height of 359 meters from the river bed, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. This 1,315 meter long steel arch bridge is designed to withstand seismic and strong winds. This bridge will play an important role in enhancing rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The journey from Katra to Srinagar via Vande Bharat train on this bridge will take only 3 hours, which will reduce the current travel time by 2-3 hours.

At the same time, Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, which will strengthen rail services in challenging geographical area. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister will dedicate the 272 km long Udaipur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. Built at a cost of about Rs 43,780 crore, the project includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges. The project will provide seamless rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country in all seasons, promoting regional mobility and socio-economic integration.

The Prime Minister will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar. These trains will provide fast, comfortable and reliable travel options for residents, tourists and pilgrims.

To enhance last mile connectivity in border areas, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several road projects. He will inaugurate the road widening project on National Highway-701 from Rafiabad to Kupwara and construction of Shopian Bypass Road (NH-444) costing over Rs 1,952 crore. Besides, he will inaugurate two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44) in Srinagar, which will ease traffic congestion and facilitate movement for commuters.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra. The project, costing over Rs 350 crore, will be the first medical college in Reasi district, which will significantly contribute to strengthening healthcare services in the region.