PM Modi to Inaugurate World's Highest Chenab Railway Bridge

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab bridge this Friday, marking the opening of the world's highest railway arch bridge. Additionally, he will flag off Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) highlighted that Modi will launch several development projects at Katra, valued at over Rs 46,000 crore. This location is notably the site of the sacred Mata Vaishno Devi temple.

Celebrated as an architectural wonder, the Chenab bridge stands at an impressive height of 359 metres above the river, with a length of 1,315 metres. Engineered to endure seismic activity and harsh wind conditions, it will significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train traversing this bridge will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to roughly 3 hours, cutting down the current journey time by 2-3 hours. This development aligns with Modi's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

The Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, is also set to facilitate connections across challenging terrains.

Among the various initiatives, the launch of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project stands out. Completed at an approximate cost of Rs 43,780 crore, this project includes 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges. This development will ensure seamless, all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to revolutionize regional mobility and promote socio-economic integration.

Addressing the need for improved last-mile connectivity, especially in border areas, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation for several road projects.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. This facility, valued at over Rs 350 crore, will be the first medical college in Reasi district, playing a crucial role in enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in the region.

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