PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Tallest Railway Bridge in J&K, Calls It a Symbol of National Resolve
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River, marking a historic milestone in Indian infrastructure.
Hailing the moment as the fulfilment of a “long-cherished dream,” Modi declared that the all-weather railway link from Kashmir to Kanyakumari has now become a reality.
“This isn’t just a bridge—it’s a testament to India’s unwavering resolve,” said the Prime Minister, speaking at the inauguration ceremony alongside Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
A Historic Engineering Feat: Chenab Bridge and USBRL Project
The Chenab Railway Bridge, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) project, is now officially the highest railway arch bridge in the world. Along with the newly constructed Anji Bridge,
India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar, the project marks a new era in connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir.
The 272-km USBRL project, constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, had been delayed for years due to the challenging Himalayan terrain.
However, under the Modi government’s PRAGATI initiative, which focuses on accelerating major infrastructure projects, the USBRL was revived and brought to completion with renewed momentum.
A Political Flashpoint: BJP and Congress Clash Over Credit
The bridge’s inauguration sparked a political back-and-forth, with the Congress accusing Prime Minister Modi of seeking “self-glory” while ignoring the role of previous governments.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the USBRL is a “powerful example of continuity in governance,” which he claimed the Prime Minister regularly overlooks.
Ramesh stated that infrastructure projects like this are often carried out across multiple administrations and accused Modi of denying this collaborative process.
In response, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari hit back, accusing the Congress of “spreading half-truths.” He emphasized that the Chenab Bridge was declared a national project in 2002 under the NDA government, with 100% central funding approved in 2003.
He claimed that after 2004, Congress failed to make progress on the project, allowing it to stagnate.
“Under PM Modi, we don’t just lay foundation stones—we complete what we start,” Bhandari said, highlighting how the project was revived and fast-tracked by the current government.
PM Flags Off Vande Bharat Express, Announces ₹46,000 Cr Investment.
During the event, Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, reducing travel time to under three hours. He announced a fresh investment of ₹46,000 crore for infrastructure and development projects in Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to stimulate tourism, trade, and industry in the region.
Beyond Politics: A Moment of Transformation for J&K Residents
Amid the political sparring, the real impact is being felt on the ground. For residents of Jammu and Kashmir, the new infrastructure brings faster travel, improved access to markets, and a stronger sense of connection to the rest of India.
While political parties continue to debate credit and continuity, citizens are celebrating the practical benefits of enhanced mobility, economic opportunity, and long-awaited integration.
