PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab Railway Bridge and Anji Bridge, Uniting Kashmir with India via Historic Rail Link
In a momentous step towards strengthening India’s connectivity and national integration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated two iconic engineering marvels in Jammu and Kashmir — the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Bridge. Both projects are part of the strategically vital Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which aims to seamlessly connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history.
The Ceremonial Inauguration
Standing on the deck of the majestic Chenab Railway Bridge in Reasi district, PM Modi waved the Indian national flag — the Tiranga — in a symbolic gesture of unity, progress, and national pride. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Prime Minister also interacted with the engineers, workers, and project teams involved in the construction of the bridges, acknowledging their tireless dedication in overcoming extreme geographical and climatic challenges to make this vision a reality.
Chenab Railway Bridge: A Global Marvel
Rising 359 metres above the riverbed, the Chenab Railway Bridge is officially the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height. It is constructed over the turbulent waters of the Chenab River and connects the Katra-to-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project.
Designed to withstand strong winds, earthquakes, and blasts, the bridge showcases cutting-edge engineering with a steel and concrete arch spanning 1,315 metres, supported by specially constructed foundations embedded deep into the rocky Himalayan terrain.
This bridge not only signifies a technological feat but also plays a key role in reducing the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, promising faster movement of people and goods across the region.
Anji Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge
Alongside the Chenab bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Suspended elegantly between mountain peaks, the Anji Bridge is a critical link between Katra and Reasi, forming another vital part of the USBRL alignment.
The 473.25-metre-long bridge features a central pylon soaring 193 metres, from which steel cables fan out to support the deck. The design not only ensures structural strength in the face of extreme wind conditions but also offers a visually stunning architectural presence against the Himalayan backdrop.
The USBRL Project: A Dream Realised
The Chenab and Anji bridges are integral parts of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272 km long mega project valued at ₹43,780 crore. Consisting of 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, the project was initiated to overcome the isolation of the Kashmir Valley and bring it onto India’s national railway grid.
First envisioned in the early 2000s, USBRL faced decades of delays due to the area’s difficult terrain, seismic sensitivity, and security concerns. However, successive governments continued to push the project forward. With today’s inauguration, Kashmir’s first direct rail link to Delhi and the rest of India is now functionally complete.
Transformational Impact for Jammu and Kashmir
The rail link is expected to revolutionise connectivity, promote tourism, boost trade, and create jobs across Jammu and Kashmir. The all-weather rail corridor will also serve strategic defense needs, allowing rapid troop and supply movement in times of need.
Additionally, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These high-speed trains will provide safe, modern, and comfortable travel options for local commuters, pilgrims, and tourists alike.
A Step Towards Inclusive Development
In his address, PM Modi highlighted how the completion of these bridges and the USBRL rail corridor reflects the government’s broader commitment to Sabka Vikas (development for all). “These bridges are not just steel and concrete — they are symbols of unity, trust, and the unwavering spirit of New India,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He added that better connectivity in border and mountainous regions is essential not only for economic progress but also for strengthening emotional and national bonds.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge and Anji Bridge marks a historic chapter in India’s infrastructure story. By bridging vast Himalayan distances and longstanding regional gaps, the Indian Railways — under the leadership of PM Modi — has brought Kashmir closer to the heart of the nation. These engineering marvels are more than just bridges; they are promises of peace, prosperity, and national unity.
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