PM Modi inaugurates the Chenab Bridge; flags off Vande Bharat express

New Delhi (India) June 6: PM Modi has initiated a new era of regional connectivity and infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir by launching the Vande Bharat Express and inaugurating the Chenab and Anji bridges.

In the presence of CM Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi also waved the Tiranga during the opening of the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge.

PM Modi posted, “6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated, which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives. In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging,” on social media platform X. 

The Chenab Bridge in the Reasi district was constructed for Rs 1,456 crore. It is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and 359 meters above the riverbed. Its engineering and resilience is remarkable.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication and leadership had made the long-held goal of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by railway a reality.

He said, "The nation had nurtured the dream of the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line for decades. There were many difficulties, like tall mountains and deep valleys. But we do not have to fight nature... through a network of bridges and tunnels, this railway line has become a reality,”

The first cable-stayed railway bridge in India is the Anji Khad Bridge. Anji Bridge, which is 725 meters across and 331 meters above the riverbed. It is supported by 96 high-tensile cables. Its central feature is an inverted Y-shaped pylon that rises 193 meters above the ground. The cable strand used in the bridge is 653 km long.

According to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link is a historic step for the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

He said, “The rail project is an engineering excellence that will create an ideal environment for trade, business, all weather transportation. The historic railway line will unlock the potential of J&K and drive unprecedented economic growth in remote areas. I strongly believe it's a railway line to the future.”

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that June 6 is a historic day for J&K since it will finally connect the valley to the rest of the nation with a railway link. 

Aadrika Tayal