Modi Inaugurates Chenab Bridge, Launches Kashmir Rail

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail for the first time. The Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters above the river and is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), which also features India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad. This project, costing over Rs 43,780 crore, overcame significant engineering challenges and is designed to endure earthquakes and high winds. Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, cutting travel time to about three hours with trains adapted for harsh climates. The event included the launch of additional projects totaling more than Rs 46,000 crore, aiming to enhance connectivity, healthcare, and regional development. Security was heightened during the visit due to recent tensions and the area's sensitive geopolitical situation.