PM Modi to inaugurate Kashmir Rail Link, Flag off Vande Bharat from Katra to Baramulla
Srinagar, June 03 (KINS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the long-awaited Kashmir rail project on June 6, marking a historic milestone in India’s railway infrastructure and a significant leap in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.
Modi will begin his visit by dedicating to the nation the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge — the world’s tallest railway arch bridge — which stands 369 meters above the river, taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL), a strategically vital project aimed at integrating Jammu and Kashmir more deeply into the national rail network.
After the inauguration, the Prime Minister is expected to travel by train to Katra, during which he will inspect India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge over Anji Khad. He will also interact with railway engineers and retired officials who played key roles in this massive engineering endeavour.
At Katra, the base for pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Modi will flag off two new Vande Bharat trains — one from Katra to Baramulla and the other in the reverse direction — symbolising the operational readiness of the entire Kashmir rail corridor. However, officials have clarified that passengers traveling to and from Kashmir will still need to change trains at Katra for now.
Following the formal inauguration, Modi will address a public rally in the region.
The Prime Minister was originally scheduled to inaugurate the rail link in April, but the event was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.(KINS)
