On a landmark day for Jammu and Kashmir, the region witnessed the inauguration of the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via rail for the very first time. This remarkable infrastructure project is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, and it was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025.

At the event, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered a heartfelt and politically significant address, lauding the successful completion of what had long been considered an impossible feat. “Many people dreamt of this train service... What the British could not do, you got it completed,” he told PM Modi while addressing the inauguration ceremony. He described the Chenab Bridge as more than a structure—a fulfilment of generations of aspirations.

The Chenab Railway Bridge, standing at 359 metres above the riverbed and stretching across 1,315 metres, is a true engineering marvel. Designed to endure extreme environmental conditions and high-velocity winds, the bridge has not only redefined engineering excellence in India but has also emerged as a vital lifeline connecting remote valleys of Kashmir to India’s vast railway network.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's speech reflected a mix of acknowledgment, political sentiment, and vision. He traced the journey of the USBRL project from its inception to completion. Recalling the project's origin, he credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, stating, “It would be a mistake if I did not mention and thank former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee... I was in Class 8 when this project’s foundation was laid. Today, at 55, I see it completed.” He noted that it was Vajpayee who had declared the project a "project of national importance", thus ensuring its sustained funding and attention through the years.

In a candid reflection on the political evolution of Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah commented, “While Manoj Sinha sahib has been promoted by the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, I’ve been demoted—from CM of a state to CM of a Union Territory.” However, he optimistically added, “With your [PM Modi’s] efforts, Jammu and Kashmir will regain its status as a state.”

Omar Abdullah also highlighted his long-standing association with key railway milestones in Jammu and Kashmir. “From Anantnag Station, to Banihal Tunnel, to Katra Station in 2014, and now the Chenab Bridge, I have been fortunate to be associated with the Prime Minister in all major railway projects in J&K,” he said, recalling the journey of regional development.

In addition to the Chenab Bridge, Abdullah emphasized the fast-paced infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, citing projects such as the Jammu and Srinagar Ring Roads, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Jammu-Srinagar four-lane highway, expansion of airports, and widening of the railway network. According to him, these developments have laid the groundwork for a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the national goal of a Viksit Bharat.

“This railway bridge is not just steel and concrete—it is the realisation of generations of aspirations,” the CM said. He emphasized that the project would bring immense benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, opening doors for economic development, tourism, and better connectivity.

Omar Abdullah concluded his address by expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the people of the state, saying, “I thank you, Prime Minister, from the bottom of my heart.” He acknowledged the efforts of the central government in executing this strategic infrastructure project that had been under discussion for decades but never brought to fruition until now.

The Delhi Jammu Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, also launched recently, will soon be running across this iconic bridge, further strengthening the region’s connectivity. With the bridge becoming operational, India’s railway infrastructure takes a giant leap, especially in the mountainous terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chenab Bridge’s symbolic and strategic importance cannot be overstated. It represents technological prowess, political will, and national integration. With Omar Abdullah and PM Modi sharing the stage, the event became more than a project launch—it became a political and emotional milestone, resonating with aspirations of Kashmiris who had long waited for such integration.

With keywords like Omar Abdullah praises PM Modi, Chenab Bridge inauguration, USBRL project, PM Modi latest news, and railway link to Kashmir, this development stands out as one of the most significant stories of 2025. The completion of the Chenab Bridge under PM Modi's leadership, with recognition from political rivals like Omar Abdullah, underscores national unity and progress beyond partisan divides.

For Jammu and Kashmir, this is a transformational step that cements its geographical and infrastructural inclusion into the Indian mainstream, a feat that began with a dream during British rule and is now a reality in Modi’s India. As construction cranes give way to high-speed trains, the Chenab Bridge will stand forever as a monument of resilience, ambition, and fulfilled promises.

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