New Delhi: India is witnessing a historic moment, as PM Modi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) has inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. After leading at the Air Force station in Udhampur, PM Modi flew to the Chenab bridge site to formally inaugurate the marvel. This visit marks his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir following Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Modi has also spoken with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh while viewing an exhibition on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail has linked this project.
PM @narendramodi at the Chenab Bridge.
The state-of-the-art bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/YhTZGoMFzD
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2025
During the visit, PM Modi also interacted with engineers, workers, and officials who were involved in the execution of the ambitious project that connects Kashmir to the rest of India by rail.
The Chenab River
This iconic structure, built across the Chenab River, is part of the USBRL project, which now connects Kashmir with the rest of the country by rail. Following the inauguration of the Chenab railway bridge, PM Modi has also set to inaugurate the Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, further enhancing the connectivity in the region.
The Vande Bharat Express
He will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, completing the full 272 km USBRL stretch. The world’s highest railway arch bridge is 359 metres above the riverbed and 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
The USBRL project, built at an estimated cost of Rs 43,780 crore, features 36 tunnels stretching 119 km and 943 bridges. It offers all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. The completion of this mega project is viewed as a pivotal milestone for regional development and national integration.
The 🇮🇳 Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge: Prime Minister @narendramodi
Read here: https://t.co/bEoPKb6Gz6 #ChenabRailBridge https://t.co/liwocHpQ2a
— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 6, 2025
The Prime Minister said that this link would transform mobility, bring prosperity, and improve the quality of life for the people of Kashmir. To ease movement in border regions, Modi will also inaugurate multiple road and flyover projects. These include the Rafiabad Kupwara road widening on NH-701, the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar.
