PM Inaugurates World's Highest Rail Bridge.

In a landmark moment for national connectivity and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday inaugurated the engineering marvels of the Chenab and Anji rail bridges, officially bringing the Kashmir Valley onto India's national rail map for the very first time. The Prime Minister also flagged off the inaugural Vande Bharat Express service from Katra to Srinagar, marking the commencement of regular train operations on this crucial route.

The inauguration of these bridges, including the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, represents a monumental achievement in infrastructure development, overcoming formidable Himalayan terrain. The railway link is set to revolutionize travel between Jammu and Srinagar, offering a significantly smoother and more reliable alternative to the often-treacherous road journey.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir was his first since the Indian forces launched "Operation Sindoor," a precision strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan with airstrikes. The timing of the inauguration, therefore, carried added symbolic weight, emphasizing India's unwavering commitment to development and integration in the region, even amidst security challenges.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, of which these bridges are integral parts, has been a long-cherished dream, designed to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. This new rail link is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and economic opportunities, fostering greater socio-economic integration of the region with the rest of the country.

The Chenab Bridge, standing an astonishing 359 meters above the riverbed, surpasses even the Eiffel Tower in height, a testament to India's engineering prowess. Similarly, the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, navigates challenging geological conditions, further highlighting the complexity and ambition of this project.

Local residents and officials expressed immense relief and excitement at the prospect of vastly improved connectivity, especially during harsh winter months when road access to the Valley often remains cut off due to heavy snowfall. The new Vande Bharat Express promises swift, comfortable, and reliable travel, dramatically reducing journey times between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours.

The successful completion and inauguration of these bridges mark a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir, symbolizing progress, integration, and a brighter future for the region.