Katra, Jun 06 (KNO): June 6, 2025 became the historic day for Jammu and Kashmir as the long cherished dream of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country with rail came true. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote history by dedicating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. He flagged off the first Vande Bharat train to Srinagar from Katra railway station in Reasi district and threw open the rail route from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari.
PM Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), flagged off Vande Bharat in line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
Prime Minister landed at Udhampur Air Force Station this morning from there he flew to Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district. He was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Prime Minister inspected Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, a critical component of the USBRL project. Standing 359 meters above the river, the 1,315-meter-long bridge is designed to withstand winds up to 260 kmph and seismic activity. The Prime Minister walked to a viewpoint near the bridge and was briefed on its engineering marvels.
He also visited a railway museum set up near the bridge, interacting with engineers and workers involved in the project.
The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, marking a significant step in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail. The event included the release of commemorative coins and stamps to celebrate this engineering feat.
Following the Chenab Bridge event, the Prime Minister proceeded to inaugurate India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge, another critical component of the USBRL project. This bridge enhances connectivity between Katra and Srinagar, facilitating smoother rail operations in the region’s challenging terrain.
At noon, the Prime Minister flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar and back. These trains, designed for cold climate adaptability with advanced heating systems and anti-spall layers, will operate six days a week, covering the 190 km journey in approximately 3 hours.
The trains are expected to significantly boost tourism and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. Stops include key stations such as Reasi and Banihal.
At Katra, the Prime Minister dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore to the nation. These included critical road infrastructure, flyovers in Srinagar, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the first medical college in Reasi district, valued at over Rs 350 crore. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for additional projects aimed at enhancing healthcare, education, and economic growth in the region.
After concluding the events in Katra, the Prime Minister departed by helicopter from the Katra helipad at approximately 2:30 returning to Delhi—(KNO)