Outlook Business Desk
On June 6, PM Modi inaugurated the world’s highest Chenab Rail Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge, and launched the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train, marking a new era in Kashmir connectivity.
This bridge is a key component of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Built at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, the Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge, towering 359 metres above the river—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. Made with 28,660 megatonnes of steel, it withstands extreme heat and freezing temperatures.
The Chenab Bridge is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and intense heat. This makes it the first-ever all-weather rail link to connect Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, ensuring year-round reliable connectivity.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi inaugurated all-weather projects in Kashmir, affirming his commitment to development and security. He will also launch Rs 46,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects in Katra, boosting the region’s growth and resilience.
After the inauguration, PM Modi walked across the Chenab Bridge waving the Tiranga, joined by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built over the Anji river. Rising 331 metres above the riverbed and stretching 725 metres, it features an iconic inverted Y-shaped pylon soaring 193 metres high, supported by 96 cables.
Northern Railway announced regular Vande Bharat Express services between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra starting June 7. Two winter-ready trains, equipped with heating systems and defrosting windshields, will reduce travel time between the two locations to just 3 hours.
Two Vande Bharat Express trains (26404/03 and 26401/02) now run six days a week between Srinagar and Katra via Banihal. Fares range from ₹660–₹715 (chair car) and ₹1,270–₹1,320 (executive class). Train 26401 departs Katra at 8:10am, returns at 2pm from Srinagar, and doesn’t operate on Tuesdays.