Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch. Standing 359 meters above the riverbed, the bridge is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of India's growing infrastructural prowess.
This visit was also significant as it was the PM’s first trip to the region since Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border strike in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In that sense, the visit balanced both strength and progress — a message of resilience coupled with development.
The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line project and connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail — a feat once deemed impossible. Built with advanced materials and seismic protection systems, the bridge is expected to not only boost connectivity but also tourism, trade, and local livelihoods.
During the ceremony, PM Modi also interacted with engineers and laborers who toiled in the harshest conditions to make this dream a reality. He praised their dedication, calling the bridge “a symbol of New India — bold, ambitious, and unstoppable.”
Also inaugurated was the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, which further underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in remote areas.
As the PM stood on this engineering marvel, it became clear that development is being pushed hard — and with visible results. While political challenges persist in the region, the government is betting big on infrastructure as a bridge to peace, prosperity, and integration.