In a landmark moment for India’s infrastructure and national integration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “symbol of New India’s engineering prowess and unwavering spirit.”
The Chenab railway bridge, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, stands taller than the Eiffel Tower and now officially connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by rail for the first time.
PM Modi landed at the Air Force station in Udhampur before flying to the Chenab bridge site to formally open the engineering marvel. This visit also marks his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor, a military response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 lives.
During his visit, PM Modi closely inspected an exhibition on the USBRL project and engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The Prime Minister also interacted with the engineers, workers, and officials who contributed to the bridge’s construction, praising their dedication and resilience.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “The Chenab Bridge is not just a railway link—it is a symbol of India’s determination to connect every corner of the country, no matter how difficult the terrain. This bridge is a statement to the world that nothing is impossible for New India.”
Built at a height of 359 meters above the Chenab riverbed, the steel arch bridge spans 1,315 meters and has been designed to withstand earthquakes, high winds, and harsh weather conditions. Its completion is a monumental step in the decades-long USBRL project, which aims to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India through modern railway infrastructure.
In addition to the Chenab bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, further boosting connectivity in the Himalayan region.
He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, officially completing the full 272-km USBRL stretch and ensuring seamless rail travel across the region.
