Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah lauds PM Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the world’s highest rail bridge, marking a historic milestone in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India via rail.
Katra, Jammu and Kashmir: On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by flagging off the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar. This landmark event connects Kashmir to the rest of India through rail, a feat that had eluded even the British. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, present at the event, praised PM Modi, stating, “What the British couldn’t achieve, you have made possible under your leadership.”
A Historic Feat in Connectivity
The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing at 359 meters above the riverbed—taller than the Eiffel Tower—spans the challenging terrain of the Chenab River in Reasi district. The bridge is a critical component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to integrate Kashmir with India’s railway network. The Katra-Srinagar route, now operational, reduces travel time between the two cities to just four hours, a significant improvement from the earlier 6–7-hour road journey. Speaking at a public rally in Katra, Abdullah highlighted the transformative impact of the rail link, noting its potential to boost tourism, local trade, and the economy of the region.
Omar Abdullah’s Praise and Aspirations
Addressing the gathering, CM Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to PM Modi for realizing a long-standing dream of connecting Kashmir by rail. “Many, including the British, dreamt of linking Kashmir by rail, but this dream remained unfulfilled for decades. It has now become a reality under your leadership,” Abdullah said. He also voiced hope for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, a sentiment that resonates with the region’s political aspirations following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Abdullah’s praise for Modi, a leader his party has often opposed, has sparked discussions, with some posts on X suggesting it may cause unease among Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge.
Economic and Social Impact
The Katra-Srinagar rail link is expected to have far-reaching effects on Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. A 2024 study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu estimated that improved rail connectivity could increase tourist arrivals to Kashmir by 20% annually, contributing over ₹5,000 crore to the local economy. The rail link also facilitates faster movement of goods, benefiting local traders and farmers. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was also present, stated, “This bridge and rail service are not just engineering marvels but a lifeline for the people of Kashmir, ensuring year-round connectivity despite harsh winters.”
Engineering Marvel of the Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Rail Bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, is an engineering marvel designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8 and wind speeds of 266 kmph. Spanning 1,315 meters, it features 93 deck sections and was built using 28,000 tonnes of steel. The bridge’s construction faced numerous challenges, including the region’s rugged terrain and security concerns, but was completed after two decades of effort. PM Modi, in his address, emphasized the bridge’s role in national integration, saying, “This bridge is a symbol of India’s resolve to connect every corner of the nation, no matter how challenging the terrain.”
Political Context and Reactions
Abdullah’s praise for Modi comes at a time when the National Conference, which he leads, has been critical of the central government’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir. However, his remarks reflect a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the developmental strides made under Modi’s leadership. Posts on X indicate that this is not the first instance of Abdullah commending Modi; earlier in January 2025, he credited Modi’s peace efforts for boosting tourism in the region. Political analyst Rekha Chowdhary noted, “Abdullah’s comments signal a shift towards constructive engagement with the Centre, possibly to expedite statehood restoration, but they may also strain ties with INDIA bloc allies like Congress.”
A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir
The launch of the Katra-Srinagar rail service marks a new era for Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. The Vande Bharat train, known for its speed and modern amenities, is expected to attract pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra and tourists heading to Srinagar. Local residents expressed optimism, with a Katra-based shopkeeper, Anil Sharma, saying, “This train will bring more visitors, and our businesses will thrive.” The rail link also aligns with the Indian Railways’ broader push for transparency, as trending news on X highlights the recent mandate for e-Aadhaar authentication in Tatkal ticket bookings to curb scalping.
