PM Modi Inaugurates Key Development Projects in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi to Boost Connectivity and Growth

Today, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the foundation stone laying, inaugurated and dedicated numerous developmental projects worth over ₹46,000 crore at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir.

As incrementally developing rail-line infrastructure, building connectivity to Jammu as well as within Jammu and Kashmir, he formally opened the Chenab and Anji rail bridges and another batch of Vande Bharat Trains. PM Modi also performed the foundation stone laying for yet another medical college in Jammu, affirming the commitment of the government to strengthen health care institutions in the region, announcing the promise of ₹46,000 crores worth of projects which will strengthen development, make progress together, and improve prosperity.

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Specifically referring to Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge, he stated "The bridges will take Jammu & Kashmir towards prosperity", the Prime Minister said, “these landmark projects will not only boost tourism but also benefit various sectors of the economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries”.

In highlighting the benefit of enhanced railway connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir he commented, "there are endless opportunities that await your local entrepreneurs and a vibrant economy will take off".

Contextually, diving deeper into the architectural feat of Chenab Rail Bridge, at 359 meters high it is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, which is impressive, isn't it? How about the fact the bridge is 1,315 metres long, built of steel, and designed to resist earthquakes and extreme wind forces. One major implication for the bridges is that it should significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. With the Vande Bharat train going over the bridge, it will only take about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, and will be about 2-3 hours faster than the current travel times.

The Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, helping the nation with challenging terrain.

The Prime Minister also dedicated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272 km long section of rail was built at a cost of approximately Rs 43,780 crore and consists of 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges. It took 20 years to build, with the goal to provide all-weather seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country to improve regional mobility and improve socio-economic integration.

The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express Trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back which will provide residents, tourists, and pilgrims with a fast, comfortable, accurate travel option.

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In a significant boost to last mileconnectivity, particularly in border areas, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several road building projects. He laid the stone for the road widening project of NH-701 road from Rafiabad to Kupwara and the construction of the Shopian bypass road on NH-444 at an overall cost of more than Rs 1,952 crore.

Moreover, he had also opened two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction which is located at National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction which is located at National Highway-44 & with these projects, the traffic congestion will be eased, and the traffic movement will be increased for the passengers.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence which is in Katra and worth more than Rs 350 Crore. It would be the first medical college in Reasi district and and will help improve the health care infrastructure in the region.

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