PM Modi connects Kashmir via rail, boosting J&K development with new project inaugurations.
  • 775 views
  • 2 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the highly anticipated Kashmir rail link on Friday, June 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail. The launch ceremony took place in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, where PM Modi also unveiled a series of major infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore.

The centerpiece of the inauguration was the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-kilometer railway line constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. This ambitious project, which has been in the making for over three decades, features 36 tunnels, 8 escape tunnels and 943 bridges, traversing through challenging Himalayan terrain. The USBRL aims to provide all-weather connectivity to the region, overcoming the seasonal transport isolation that has long plagued the valley.

During the event, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains that will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. This new train service is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately three hours, halving the previous journey time by road. The Vande Bharat Express offers a safer, more comfortable, and faster transportation option, particularly during winter when the Srinagar-Jammu highway often faces closures due to adverse weather conditions.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering. Towering 359 metres above the riverbed – 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower – the bridge spans 1.3 kilometers and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, with a lifespan of 120 years. Constructed with structural steel suitable for temperatures ranging from -10 to 40 degrees Celsius, the Chenab Bridge is a symbol of India's technological prowess and resilience.

Another notable project inaugurated was India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad. Located 80 kilometers from Jammu, the Anji Khad bridge stands 331 metres above the riverbed and stretches 725 metres. The structure utilizes 96 high-tensile cables and was completed in just 11 months.

The completion of the USBRL project and the inauguration of these infrastructure marvels are expected to bring significant benefits to the region. The enhanced connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and overall mobility, fostering economic growth and creating livelihood opportunities for the local population. Furthermore, the railway link will facilitate the movement of people, goods, and troops, which was previously challenging via treacherous mountain roads and air transport.

The government has allocated ₹844 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 for railway development in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at accelerating ongoing projects and further enhancing rail infrastructure across the region. The electrification of the rail network and the modernization of railway stations are also underway, aligning with the vision of faster, cleaner, and more inclusive growth.

Security measures were intensified across the region ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, with special focus on Katra and Ramban. Railway stations were decorated to mark the occasion, celebrating the historic moment of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India through a reliable and efficient railway network.


Writer - Priya Joshi
Driven by social justice, a commitment to advocacy, and a passion for sports, Priya is focusing her early journalistic efforts on highlighting inequality and marginalization in her community. She's learning to report on sensitive topics with empathy and accuracy, ensuring vulnerable voices are heard. Her dedication to sports also fuels her understanding of fair play and collective effort, principles she brings to her reporting.
Advertisement

Latest Post


World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Tragedy struck in the Gharota area on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday evening as an eight-year-old boy was fatally crushed by a speeding SUV. The young victim, Harsh Singh, was returning home with his father from their agricultural field when the in...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Lamine Yamal is stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona, embracing the pressure that comes with joining a club steeped in history and কিংবদন্তি. The young player, who Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called "touched by the wand of God," has been ha...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Ethereum (ETH) is currently navigating a critical juncture, with analysts closely observing price movements for signals of a potential retest of $3. 9K followed by a substantial rally. Recent market behavior shows ETH consolidating within a $3,900 to ...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Parliamentary proceedings have addressed key issues ranging from digital payment policies to skill development initiatives for adolescent girls. Here's a summary of the important updates: **No Transaction Charges on UPI Payments** The government ha...

Advertisement
World  |  Aug 18, 2025
On Monday, August 18, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a briefing on his recent summit with U. S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call, which was initiated by Putin, aimed to share i...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the validity of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, effectively upholding the Bombay High Court's previous decision. The petition, filed by Chetan Chandrakant Ahire, alleged that approximate...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Income Tax Department is intensifying its investigation into US-based investor Jane Street's Indian operations, seeking clarity on the firm's control and potential tax avoidance. This probe follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Premier League is back, with Leeds United hosting Everton at Elland Road to wrap up Matchweek 1 of the 2025-26 season. After a two-season absence, Leeds returns to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship last season. Everton finishe...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360