Omar Abdullah Renews Statehood Demand Amid Rail Milestone
In a historic moment for India’s infrastructure and national unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge, the highest railway arch bridge in the world, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. These marvels, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, now directly connect Kashmir with the rest of the country by rail for the first time.
While the day celebrated engineering achievement and regional integration, it also saw Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterate the long-standing demand for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. Speaking during the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, Abdullah expressed hope that it would be Prime Minister Modi himself who restores J&K’s statehood.
“Statehood Will Return, PM Modi Will Do It”: Omar Abdullah
Addressing the gathering, CM Omar Abdullah reflected on his personal association with major railway milestones in Jammu and Kashmir over the years. He fondly recalled the opening of the Anantnag rail station, the Banihal rail tunnel, and the 2014 inauguration of the Katra station during the first months of Modi’s first term.
Noting the passage of time and change in political roles, Abdullah said:
“In 2014, I was Chief Minister of a state. Today, I’m CM of a Union Territory. But I believe things will return to normal, and J&K will regain its statehood — under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
His remarks struck a chord amid ongoing political and public sentiment in J&K seeking the restoration of democratic state-level powers that were revoked in August 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated and the region’s statehood was dissolved.
Chenab and Anji Bridges: Engineering Wonders Unveiled
PM Modi’s visit marked the inauguration of two engineering feats:
- Chenab Railway Bridge, rising 359 metres above the Chenab River in Reasi district, is now the world’s tallest railway bridge, towering even above the Eiffel Tower.
- Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, links Katra and Reasi with a striking design, featuring a central pylon rising 193 metres.
These bridges faced extreme geographical, seismic, and weather challenges during construction, taking years of meticulous engineering to complete. Their successful commissioning is considered a testament to India’s technological strength and a bold move to include Kashmir in the national development mainstream.
USBRL Project: Rewriting Kashmir’s Connectivity
The USBRL project, spanning 272 kilometres at a cost of over ₹43,780 crore, includes:
- 36 tunnels (totaling 119 km)
- 943 bridges, including major ones like Chenab and Anji
Designed to withstand the region’s seismic sensitivity and harsh weather, this railway link offers all-weather, high-speed rail access to Kashmir. It is expected to accelerate economic activity, boost tourism, and provide logistical ease for defense and disaster response.
Vande Bharat Trains to Srinagar Launched
In another landmark event, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra to Srinagar, significantly reducing the travel time from 6–7 hours by road to just 3 hours by rail.
The trains will:
- Provide swift and comfortable travel for residents, tourists, and pilgrims
- Traverse through both Chenab and Anji bridges
- Symbolise a new era of high-speed connectivity in the region
During the ceremony, PM Modi interacted with school children onboard and railway staff, lauding their service and spirit.
“Kashmir to Kanyakumari” Becoming a Reality
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in his remarks, underlined how the dream of “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” rail connectivity was becoming reality.
“This bridge is not just a symbol of cement and iron, but a bridge of aspirations. PM Modi has fulfilled the dreams of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee,” said Sinha.
Conclusion
The twin inaugurations of the Chenab Railway Bridge and Anji Bridge, coupled with the flagging off of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, mark a watershed moment in India’s infrastructure history and Kashmir’s integration journey.
As these symbolic and strategic links come to life, the spotlight also turns to the political aspirations of the region. With Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement rekindling hopes of statehood, all eyes are now on whether Prime Minister Modi’s legacy in Kashmir will include not just railways, but also a political restoration.
You Might Also Like:
Indian Pilgrims Perform Wuquf-e-Arafat During Hajj 2025
J&K Police Arrest Two Drug Peddlers Gulzar Ahmad Thoker and Ghulam Ahmad Parra
