From Katra to Kashmir in Under 3 Hours: Vande Bharat Hits the Valley
J&K: In a landmark moment for Indian infrastructure and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated two engineering marvels — the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest rail arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge — during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
These two bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272-kilometre fully electrified railway corridor that has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 44,000 crore. The USBRL includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, cutting through some of the toughest terrain in the Himalayas.
Prime Minister @narendramodi inaugurates the Chenab Bridge – the world’s highest railway arch bridge and visits Bridge Deck in Jammu and Kashmir#ChenabBridge
Watch: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zlBqbKLPSW
— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 6, 2025
Chenab Bridge: A Record-Breaking Feat
Chenab Bridge India’s Sky Highway!
Behold the Chenab Bridge — the world’s highest railway arch-bridge.
359m above the river, Taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link — connecting Katra to Banihal, connecting Kashmir like never before.… pic.twitter.com/CPogCm5lRA
— India in China (@EOIBeijing) June 6, 2025
The Chenab Bridge, standing at 1,178 feet above the Chenab River and stretching 1,315 meters, is not just a symbol of engineering excellence but a strategic link connecting Katra to Srinagar and onwards to Baramulla. Approved in 2002 during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era, its construction began in 2017 under the Modi government. The structure uses over 25,000 tons of steel and concrete and is now ready for commercial rail operations starting June 7.
Anji Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge
The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, soaring above a deep gorge and built to withstand strong winds and seismic activity. Together with the Chenab Bridge, it completes the final and most challenging leg of the USBRL project.
Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Launched
Marking another major milestone, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, directly connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Indian railway network with reduced travel time — now under three hours — boosting tourism and economic growth in the region.
Context and Significance
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to the region since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The inauguration sends a strong message about India’s commitment to development and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. The bridges not only symbolize engineering prowess but also represent a strategic push toward national integration and regional upliftment.
Also present at the high-profile ceremony were Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
