Katra, June 6, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to Jammu & Kashmir marked a major milestone in India’s infrastructure development. In a significant show of progress, PM Modi launched projects worth over ₹46,000 crore, inaugurated the Chenab Bridge – the world’s highest railway arch bridge – and flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra and Srinagar.
A Promise Fulfilled: “Dream of Class 8 CM Now a Reality”
Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Modi recalled a statement by the current J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who once dreamt of a railway connection in Kashmir during his school days. “The dream seen in Class 8 has now been fulfilled by our government,” Modi declared, affirming his commitment to development in the region despite challenges.
Chenab Bridge: Taller Than Eiffel Tower
Standing tall at 359 meters above the river, the Chenab Bridge is not just an engineering feat but a symbol of modern India’s ambition. “It is taller than the Eiffel Tower,” PM Modi said, as he waved the Tiranga atop the bridge, calling it a proud moment for every Indian.
Constructed using cutting-edge seismic technology and wind-resistant designs, the 1,315-meter-long bridge is expected to transform rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge Over River Anji Inaugurated
In another historic move, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, spanning one of the region’s most difficult terrains. The project is a key component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
New Vande Bharat Express Trains For Kashmir Valley
PM Modi flagged off two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains that will now run on the Katra–Srinagar–Katra route. This marks the first time the Vande Bharat service will operate in Jammu and Kashmir.
Train Schedule & Fare Details:
🚄 Train Nos. 26404/26403 (Srinagar – Katra – Srinagar)
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Frequency: 6 days/week (except Wednesday)
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Departs Srinagar: 08:00 am
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Arrives Katra: 10:58 am
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Fare: ₹715 (Chair Car), ₹1,350 (Executive Class)
🚄 Train Nos. 26401/26402 (Katra – Srinagar – Katra)
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Frequency: 6 days/week (except Tuesday)
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Departs Katra: 08:10 am
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Arrives Srinagar: 11:08 am
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Fare: ₹660 (Chair Car), ₹1,270 (Executive Class)
The launch of these high-speed, semi-luxury trains promises a safer, faster, and more comfortable travel experience for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
Other Major Highlights from the Visit
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🏥 Foundation Laid for ₹350 Cr Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra.
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🛤️ USBRL Rail Project launched, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through all-weather railways.
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💬 PM Modi emphasized that “Kashmir to Kanyakumari is now a reality,” echoing the sentiment of national unity.
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🧒 Modi interacted with schoolchildren aboard the Vande Bharat train before its departure.
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🎖️ Commemorative coins and postal stamps released to mark the historic inauguration.
Political Reactions and Appeals
While the region welcomed the rail connectivity, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged the Prime Minister to match infrastructure development with humanitarian gestures by releasing political prisoners. “Train links are welcome, but human links matter more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah reiterated the demand for restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, expressing optimism about the Centre’s future response.
Security Tightened Amid Pahalgam Attack Aftermath
This was PM Modi’s first visit to J&K since the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting a multi-layered security grid involving SPG, Army, CRPF, and local police. PM Modi condemned the attack, calling it an assault on “Insaniyat and Kashmiriyat”, and accused Pakistan of disrupting tourism and livelihoods in the valley.
