The stage is set for a monumental event in India’s infrastructure history as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, on June 6 in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This engineering marvel, soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River, marks a significant milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who arrived in Katra to oversee final preparations for the grand inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, told reporters on Thursday, “Tomorrow will be a historic day as Prime Minister Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar. The bridge built over the Chenab River is the world’s highest railway bridge. This (launch) will establish railway connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, benefiting people travelling to Katra and the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.”

Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh, visited the iconic Chenab Bridge to review arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. “Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the Hon’ble PM,” Abdullah shared in a post on X, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the event. The Chenab Bridge, a 1,315-metre-long steel arch structure, stands taller than the Eiffel Tower and is designed to withstand extreme seismic activity, high wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, and temperatures as low as -20°C. Constructed at a cost of approximately `14,860 crore, the bridge is a critical component of the `43,780 crore USBRL project, which includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges.

This transformative initiative aims to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity, reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar by 2-3 hours, with Vande Bharat trains set to cover the distance in just three hours.

This historic rail link is expected to revolutionise regional mobility, boost tourism, and enhance socio-economic integration by facilitating faster transportation of goods like apples, walnuts, and saffron to major markets. Additionally, the bridge’s strategic significance lies in its ability to support the rapid deployment of defense equipment to border regions, strengthening

national security.

Dr Jitendra Singh, in a post on X, hailed the Chenab Bridge as “a proud symbol of New India’s strength and vision,” emphasising its role in showcasing India’s technological prowess. He noted that the bridge, built to endure nature’s toughest challenges, will connect New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra, heralding a “grand new chapter” for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Prime Minister’s visit will also include the inauguration of multiple development projects worth over `46,000 crore in Katra, such as road infrastructure, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge. These initiatives are poised to enhance last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas, and bolster healthcare and civic infrastructure in the region.

The bridge is expected to drive economic growth by creating job opportunities and enhancing access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, in remote areas. Residents and officials alike view the Chenab Bridge as a game-changer. Sanjay Kumar, a worker with a project construction agency, noted that the bridge has already become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across India. “It has given a real boost to the tourism sector of Reasi,” he said.