Chenab bridge: PM Modi to inaugrate world’s highest railway arch bridge; Rs 46,000 crore worth projects in Katra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, in a landmark event on Friday. The bridge, an architectural marvel soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River, will see its first crossing by the Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar.The PM shared a video on social media platform Instagram, giving a glimpse of the newly constructed bridge, which is a step towards Naya Kashmir.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, the Chenab Bridge spans 1,315 metres and has been carefully engineered to withstand both seismic activity and strong winds. “A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. Through Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by 2-3 hours,” the statement said, highlighting PM Modi’s commitment to boosting infrastructure and connectivity in this strategically crucial region.Alongside the inauguration of the bridge, the prime minister will also flag off several development projects amounting to over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, a town renowned as the abode of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Notably, the launch will include India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Bridge, designed to operate efficiently in the challenging terrain of the area.In addition to these major rail projects, the ambitious 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project will be unveiled.

Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, the USBRL features 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather, seamless connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. This transformative initiative aims to revolutionise regional mobility and foster socio-economic integration.Further improving last-mile connectivity particularly in border areas the prime minister will also lay the foundation stone for multiple road projects. Among these, the establishment of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, valued at over Rs 350 crore, promises to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in the Reasi district.