In a landmark event for Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge, and flagged off the maiden run of the Vande Bharat Express train connecting Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, to Srinagar.
The highlight of the day was the iconic moment when PM Modi waved the Indian tricolor while inspecting the Chenab Bridge, symbolising a new era of connectivity and progress for the region.
During the inspection visit, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, which rises 331 metres above the riverbed and spans 725 metres.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat service, with commercial operations commencing on June 7, 2025, is set to boost spiritual tourism and economic opportunities in the region, fulfilling the vision of linking “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” through India’s railway network.
Before officially flagging off the trains, PM Modi boarded the high-speed Vande Bharat Express and engaged in lively conversations with the young passengers, who were selected through painting, slogan writing and singing competition to be part of the inaugural journey. The students, brimming with excitement, shared their experiences and aspirations with the PM.
The PM also interacted with railway staff onboard, acknowledging their contributions to the successful launch of the service.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoS Railways V Somanna, MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. PM Modi also inspected a photo exhibition highlighting the technical challenges overcome during its construction.
He praised the engineers and workers for their dedication in completing the 359-meter-tall bridge, which stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. He observed that while people travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Chenab Bridge surpasses it in height, making it not only a crucial infrastructure achievement but also an emerging tourist attraction.
As the Vande Bharat Express embarked on its maiden journey, locals and tourists in Katra celebrated with enthusiasm, performing aarti and showering flower petals on the Prime Minister’s cavalcade as he headed towards the venue of the public rally.
Addressing a gathering in Katra, PM Modi described the day as “a special day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasizing that the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore, including roads, flyovers, and foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, it marks a turning point in the region’s development journey.
He highlighted that enhanced rail connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir will open new doors for local entrepreneurs, driving economic growth. Modi noted that Kashmir’s apples will now reach major markets across India at lower costs, making trade more efficient. Furthermore, dry fruits and Kashmir’s renowned Pashmina shawls, along with other traditional handicrafts, will now be easily transported to every corner of the country, strengthening the region’s artisanal industry.
The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemorative coin and a special postage stamp during the ceremony, underscoring the significance of the event. He interacted with engineers and workers involved in the USBRL project, acknowledging their contributions to this monumental achievement.
Railways Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, in his address, said the dream of connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country through a railway link has become a reality due to the determination and sharp focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The nation had nurtured the dream of the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line for decades. There were many difficulties, like tall mountains and deep valleys. But we do not have to fight nature… through a network of bridges and tunnels, this railway line has become a reality.
“It has become possible due to the strong will, determined endeavour, and laser-sharp focus of the PM,” Vaishnaw added.
Vaishnaw said it was a historic day as “another jewel has been added to Maa Bharti’s crown”, referring to the rail line.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the rail link, stating, “Kashmiri apples can now reach the rest of the country and the world through this new rail connectivity.” He reassured residents of Jammu that the rail link to Srinagar would enhance trade and tourism without negatively impacting the region’s economy.
The Chief Minister also took up the issue of the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the public rally.
“There are four persons on this stage who were present at the inauguration of the Katra railway station (in 2014). You had just won the election, becoming the Prime Minister for the first time. MoS in PMO Jeetendra Singh was present then and our LG Manoj Sinha sahib was discharging duties as MoS Railways and I was here as chief minister.
“If you see, by the blessings of Mata (Vaishno Devi), Sinha has got a promotion, and I had a demotion. I was the chief minister of a state, and now I am the CM of the UT. However, I believe that it will not take long to rectify it …. Jammu and Kashmir will again get the statehood under your watch only,” Abdullah said.
Omar said many people have dreamt of seeing a train chugging into Kashmir. “Even the British had dreamt of connecting Kashmir by train, but they did not succeed. They planned to bring rail from Uri, along the banks of the Jhelum, to connect with the country. What the British could not achieve has happened at your (Modi’s) hands and Kashmir has been connected to the rest of the country,” he added.
Abdullah paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for declaring the train to Kashmir a project of national importance.
“It will be a grave mistake if I do not thank former PM Vajpayee. This project was undoubtedly started in 1983-84…. but it was completed only after Vajpayee declared it a project of national importance and made provisions in the budget,” he said.