J&K Milestone: PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab & Anji Bridges, Flags Off Vande Bharat Trains to Srinagar
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir), June 6, 2025 — In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two ground-breaking infrastructure marvels — the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge — both located in the Reasi district.
He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar, marking the first direct train service linking Jammu division with the Kashmir Valley.
This milestone is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which was officially dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister. The 272-km-long USBRL project — built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore — includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. It provides the Kashmir Valley with seamless, all-weather rail connectivity to the rest of India for the first time in history.
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi (@narendramodi) flags off Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 6, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/UcGfEOqdHT
The Chenab Railway Bridge, now the highest railway bridge in the world at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, is a spectacular feat of engineering. It forms a vital part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan rail stretch, making it possible for New Delhi to be connected to Kashmir via train. The bridge overcame massive geological, seismic, and logistical challenges during its construction, demonstrating India’s technological capability and infrastructural ambition.
#WATCH | J&K: Vande Bharat Express train connecting Katra and Srinagar, crosses Chenab Bridge shortly after being flagged off by PM Narendra Modi from Katra Railway Station. pic.twitter.com/PLQPExDgF9
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025
In an emotional and symbolic gesture, PM Modi waved the Tiranga on the deck of the Chenab Bridge, celebrating national unity and pride. During the event, he interacted with school children aboard the Vande Bharat Express and appreciated the efforts of railway staff and workers who contributed to the USBRL project.
The newly launched Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar will slash travel time from 6–7 hours by road to just 3 hours. These modern trains, specially designed for cold climates, will traverse through the engineering marvels of the Anji Khad Bridge and Chenab Bridge, offering passengers a fast, scenic, and comfortable journey. The service is expected to be a game-changer for tourists, pilgrims, and locals alike.
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) inaugurates Anji bridge. The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 6, 2025
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw… pic.twitter.com/cmPdK5DpaA
Top dignitaries present at the inauguration included J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union MoS Jitendra Singh.
This multi-billion-rupee project signifies more than just improved transportation—it represents a new era of socio-economic integration, tourism growth, and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
