Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge on Friday, the world’s highest rail bridge. The ceremony marked a milestone in the infrastructure development of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.

After arriving at Udhampur Air Force station, PM Modi flew to the Chenab bridge site. He officially inaugurated this engineering marvel. This marked his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Modi also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. He viewed an exhibition on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

During his visit, PM Modi interacted with engineers, workers, and officials who had implemented this ambitious project that connected Kashmir with the rest of India by rail.

The iconic bridge, built across the Chenab River, formed part of the USBRL project. This project connected Kashmir with the rest of the country by rail.

After inaugurating the Chenab railway bridge, Modi was also set to inaugurate the Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, to further enhance connectivity in the region.

He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. This would mark the completion of the entire 272-km USBRL stretch.

The Chenab bridge was part of the ₹43,780 crore Rail Link project. The world’s highest railway arch bridge stood 359 metres above the riverbed. It was 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.

The USBRL project, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore, featured 36 tunnels stretching 119 km and 943 bridges. It provides all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. The completion of this mega project is a turning point for regional development and national integration.

The Prime Minister said the link would "transform mobility, bring prosperity, and improve the quality of life for the people of Kashmir."

To ease movement in border regions, Modi also inaugurated several road and flyover projects. These included the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on NH-701, the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar.

Following the inauguration, PM Modi addressed a rally in Katra. He said tourism provided employment and acted as a connecting link between people. He added that the neighbouring country, unfortunately, was an enemy of humanity, harmony and tourism.

He said, "Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of the poor’s bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked ‘insaniyat’ and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam."

He added, "The intent of Pakistan was to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings. That’s why Pakistan attacked tourism."

He said, "Tourism was increasing during the last five years in Jammu and Kashmir, and tourists were arriving in record numbers."

He stated that tourism fuelled the kitchens of poor families in Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan deliberately targeted this sector.

He said, "Pakistan wanted to destroy the livelihoods of guides, pony operators, guest house owners, shop owners, and roadside dhaba operators who are dependent on tourism. Adil, who challenged the terrorists, was also there to earn his livelihood," referring to the ponywala who was among the 26 people killed in Pahalgam on April 22.

The Prime Minister said it had been one month since Indian forces wreaked havoc on terrorists holed up in Pakistan through Operation Sindoor.

He said, "Whenever Pakistan hears about Operation Sindoor, it will be reminded of its shameful defeat."

Modi said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is a symbol of a new and empowered Jammu and Kashmir, and a resounding proclamation of India’s growing strength.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also thanked PM Modi. He said, "Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British could not do, you got it completed, and Kashmir Valley has now been connected with the rest of the country."

He added, "We are trying our best to achieve our goal of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir for a Viksit Bharat. I thank you, Prime Minister, from the bottom of my heart on behalf of the people of J-K."