PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Bridge Over Chenab, Marks Milestone in Kashmir Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge—now officially the highest rail bridge in the world—ushering in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu and Kashmir.

After landing at the Air Force station in Udhampur, PM Modi flew to the bridge site to formally open the monumental structure. This visit was his first to the region since Operation Sindoor, the recent military response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 lives.

While at the site, the Prime Minister took part in an exhibition showcasing the larger USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project. He also held discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

PM Modi spent time interacting with the engineers, workers, and officials who made this complex project a reality. Built across the Chenab River, the bridge now links Kashmir to the rest of India via rail—something that was only a dream for decades.

Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River—35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower—the Chenab railway bridge is more than just a remarkable piece of engineering. It’s a symbol of India’s determination to overcome the odds and connect even its most remote regions.

This stunning bridge is the pride of the ₹43,780 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project—a dream that took years of vision, persistence, and hard work to realise. Built through some of the most difficult terrain in the Himalayas, it’s not just about steel and concrete—it’s about bridging distances, connecting lives, and bringing hope and opportunity to the Kashmir Valley.

Built over some of the country’s toughest terrain, the USBRL project has pushed the boundaries of possibility. It includes 36 tunnels cutting through mountains for a total of 119 km, and 943 bridges that span valleys and rivers—all designed to ensure year-round, all-weather rail access to the Kashmir Valley. What was once considered nearly impossible has now become a reality, thanks to years of hard work by thousands of engineers, workers, and planners.

This project is about people, which is more than just a transport link. For generations, Kashmiris dreamed of a reliable connection to the rest of the country—one that brings with it access to jobs, education, healthcare, and tourism. That dream has finally taken shape in steel and stone, winding its way through mountains and across rivers.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the rail link a turning point that would “transform mobility, bring prosperity, and improve the quality of life for the people of Kashmir.”

But the Chenab bridge is only part of the story. PM Modi is also set to inaugurate India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—the Anji bridge—another marvel that will further enhance travel in the region. To mark the completion of the 272-km USBRL stretch, he will also flag off two new Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, bringing fast, modern rail travel to the Valley.

The focus is on improving roads and easing traffic across the region. The Prime Minister will open several important highway and flyover projects, including:

* The widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on NH-701

* The new Shopian bypass on NH-444

* Flyovers at the busy Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar

A new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir from these road and rail projects. This bring communities closer, unlock new opportunities, and pave the way for a future built on connection, growth, and shared prosperity.