PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Tallest Chenab Rail Bridge, Flags Off First Vande Bharat to Srinagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today scripted a historic chapter in India’s infrastructure development by inaugurating the world’s highest railway arch bridge — the Chenab Rail Bridge — located in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. This engineering marvel, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, has set a new global benchmark by becoming the tallest railway bridge in the world, soaring above the Chenab River in the Himalayas. Designed to withstand harsh weather and seismic activities, the bridge is not only an architectural triumph but also a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and strategic resolve to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi landed at the Air Force Station in Udhampur and proceeded to the site via chopper, underscoring the importance of the occasion. The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge marks the completion of the 272-km USBRL project, a significant milestone that will forever change the connectivity landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. As a part of this momentous occasion, the Prime Minister also flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express train between Katra and Srinagar, signifying the beginning of high-speed rail connectivity in the region. This initiative is expected to boost tourism, streamline transportation, and open up economic opportunities across the Union Territory.
In addition to the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge — the Anji Bridge — another feat of modern engineering. These bridges are not just transportation links, but critical national infrastructure designed to withstand extreme terrain and weather, while providing secure and seamless travel for both passengers and freight.
During the visit, the Prime Minister dedicated infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore to the nation. These include a network of new roads, flyovers, and healthcare institutions such as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. These projects are part of a broader national vision aimed at enhancing accessibility, regional integration, and the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Rail Bridge has garnered global praise for its structural complexity, innovative design, and strategic significance. Standing taller than the Eiffel Tower, it embodies the resilience and aspirations of New India. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Railway Board, aptly described the bridge as “one of the most historic milestones since independence,” highlighting its transformative impact on national infrastructure and connectivity.
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