Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir by launching a series of mega infrastructure projects from Katra, including the long-awaited completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL)—a 272-km stretch that connects Kashmir Valley to the rest of India through an all-weather rail line.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Address:
🔹 Chenab Rail Bridge Inaugurated:
PM Modi inaugurated the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, which towers 359 meters above the Chenab River. Part of the USBRL, the bridge is an engineering marvel and is expected to become a global symbol of Indian infrastructural capability.
🔹 Vande Bharat Express Launched:
Two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar were flagged off by the Prime Minister. These semi-high-speed trains reduce travel time between the cities to just three hours and are optimized for the mountainous terrain and extreme weather of the region.
🔹 ₹46,000 Crore Worth Projects Dedicated to the Nation:
PM Modi unveiled and dedicated a massive development package of ₹46,000 crore, which includes rail, road, and connectivity projects aimed at integrating Jammu and Kashmir more deeply with the rest of the country.
🔹 Focus on Peace and Development:
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to peace in the region, PM Modi declared, “Freeing Jammu and Kashmir from terror was crucial, and we’ve achieved it.” He emphasized that with terrorism on the decline, development, tourism, and employment must now take center stage.
Significance:
The USBRL project, pending for more than four decades, is seen as a game-changer for the socio-economic landscape of Kashmir. With improved connectivity, tourism is expected to surge, and logistical challenges for businesses and travelers will be greatly reduced.
PM Modi’s visit and announcement highlight a larger strategy to integrate the region through development, reduce isolation, and promote long-term stability.
