Chenab Bridge: PM Modi inaugurates world’s highest rail arch bridge in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge, Chenab Bridge during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir to launch multiple key infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore.

Standing high 359 metres above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand high seismic and wind loads and to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours.

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In addition, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed in one of the most challenging terrains in the region. 

As part of his J&K visit, PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, improving connectivity for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is also dedicated to the nation. It Spans over 272 km and is built at a cost of approximately Rs 43,780 crore. The project includes 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.

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In addition to the rail initiatives, PM Modi will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple road infrastructure projects aimed at improving last-mile and border area connectivity. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444—projects worth over Rs 1,952 crore.

Along with this, the Prime Minister will inaugurate two new flyovers: one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44 in Srinagar.

Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. Costing Rs 350 crore facility, it will be the first medical college in Reasi district, aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and services in the region.

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