THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Reasi, June 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, connecting Katra in the Jammu division to Srinagar in Kashmir.
These cutting-edge trains, engineered to withstand the harsh winter conditions of Kashmir, will cut the Katra-to-Srinagar travel time from 6-7 hours by road to just around 3 hours — a major boost for commuters, tourists, and pilgrims alike.
During the event, Prime Minister Modi interacted warmly with school children onboard and engaged with railway staff, adding a personal touch to the inaugural run.
The trains will traverse two of India’s most iconic engineering marvels — the Anji Khad Bridge, the nation’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.
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This initiative represents a significant milestone in enhancing Jammu and Kashmir’s transportation infrastructure, promising fast, comfortable, and reliable rail services to the region.
PM Modi inaugurates Chenab railway bridge, Anji Bridge
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two landmark infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district — the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Bridge.
Marking the historic occasion, Prime Minister Modi walked across the Chenab Railway Bridge deck, proudly waving the national flag. This bridge, soaring 359 meters above the riverbed, will enable a direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India for the first time.
The Chenab and Anji bridges are integral components of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), aimed at transforming connectivity in the region. The Chenab Bridge forms part of the Katra-Sangaldan section, which connects Kashmir with New Delhi via Katra.
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Ahead of the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi inspected the Chenab arch bridge and interacted with project workers involved in building the USBRL.
He also met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh.