Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge on Friday, marking a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, stands as an architectural marvel, soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River. This is taller than the Eiffel Tower. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-kilometer railway line aimed at providing all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
The USBRL project, built at an estimated cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, features 38 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. The Chenab Bridge itself is a 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar, with Vande Bharat trains traversing the route in approximately three hours, cutting the existing travel time by two to three hours.
In addition to inaugurating the Chenab Bridge, the Prime Minister will also flag off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar. These new trains are expected to boost both passenger and pilgrimage traffic, making it easier for people to travel to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple and other destinations in the region. Furthermore, PM Modi will inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, which is also located in the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
The improved connectivity is projected to boost tourism and economic development in the region, particularly in light of recent security challenges. The railway projects are expected to facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the northern and southern ends of India.
During the event, the Prime Minister is also expected to launch multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore in Katra. These projects include laying the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the first medical college in the Reasi district, which will significantly enhance the region's healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for various road projects to improve last-mile connectivity, especially in border areas.
The completion of the USBRL project fulfills a long-awaited dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail. While a direct train service from Srinagar to Kanyakumari is still being explored, the enhanced connectivity and infrastructure lay the groundwork for future expansion of rail services. Once introduced, a direct train service would not only improve the travel experience but also increase tourism in both regions, contributing to economic growth.
