Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the iconic Chenab railway bridge in Jammu & Kashmir on June 6, 2025, marking a transformative milestone in India’s infrastructure and regional integration amidst global economic shifts.
Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir: On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed, in a historic event that strengthens connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. The bridge, part of the ₹43,780 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is a symbol of engineering prowess and national unity, especially significant following recent regional tensions and global economic developments like the Trump-Musk feud and RBI’s recent repo rate cut.
A Grand Inauguration Amid Regional Significance
After landing at Udhampur’s Air Force station, PM Modi flew to the Chenab bridge site in Reasi district to formally unveil the structure. This visit, his first to Jammu and Kashmir since Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory military strike following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26—underscored the strategic importance of the project. Modi engaged with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, while also viewing an exhibition on the USBRL project. He interacted with engineers and workers, praising their dedication to this ambitious initiative that now links Kashmir to India’s broader rail network.
Engineering Marvel and Economic Impact
The Chenab bridge, towering 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, spans the Chenab River and is a key component of the USBRL project, which includes 36 tunnels stretching 119 km and 943 bridges. Built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, the project ensures all-weather connectivity, a game-changer for Kashmir’s economic integration. A 2025 NITI Aayog report estimates the rail link could boost the region’s GDP by 2.5% annually through enhanced trade and tourism. PM Modi stated, “This bridge will transform mobility, bring prosperity, and improve the quality of life for the people of Kashmir,” highlighting its role in national development.
Enhancing Connectivity with Additional Projects
Beyond the Chenab bridge, Modi inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed Anji bridge and flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, completing the 272-km USBRL stretch. These trains, capable of speeds up to 180 kmph, reduce travel time between the two cities to under 3 hours, per Indian Railways data. Additionally, Modi launched road infrastructure projects, including the Rafiabad-Kupwara road widening on NH-701, the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar, aimed at easing movement in border areas and boosting local economies.
Global Context and Strategic Importance
The inauguration comes amid global economic shifts, including the Trump-Musk feud, which threatens U.S. policy stability, and the RBI’s recent 50 bps repo rate cut to 5.5%, signaling India’s focus on growth. The USBRL project enhances India’s strategic position, especially as tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty escalate, with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warning, “Water is Pakistan’s red line,” in a June 5, 2025, statement. Experts suggest the rail link strengthens India’s logistical capabilities in border regions, crucial for both defense and economic resilience. A 2025 ORF study noted that improved connectivity in J&K could reduce logistical costs by 30%, fostering regional stability.
A Symbol of Unity and Progress
The Chenab bridge, with its 17 spans and a central arch of 467 meters, was constructed using 28,000 tonnes of steel, designed to withstand earthquakes and winds up to 266 kmph, according to the Indian Railways. Local residents expressed optimism, with Reasi shopkeeper Anil Sharma telling ANI, “This bridge will bring tourists and jobs, changing our lives.” The project’s completion aligns with India’s broader infrastructure push, with the government aiming to invest ₹15 lakh crore in connectivity projects by 2030, per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. As Modi waved off the Vande Bharat trains, the event marked not just a triumph of engineering but a step toward unifying India’s diverse regions.