Suhail Khan
Katra, June 06 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra and Srinagar and inaugurated the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River, along with India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge over the Anji Khad. Asserting his commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s progress, Modi declared, “If anyone tries to obstruct development in J&K, they will have to face me first.”
Addressing a rally in Katra after the inaugurations, the Prime Minister emphasized, “The development of Jammu and Kashmir will not stop.” He also launched multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore in the Union Territory.
Modi strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident, dealing a severe blow to the region’s tourism industry.
“This was an attack by Pakistan on humanity and Kashmiriyat—an attempt to cripple Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy,” he said. *”Our neighboring country opposes peace, tourism, and even the livelihoods of the poor. The Pahalgam attack is a stark example.”
Reaffirming India’s resolve against terrorism, the Prime Minister praised the people of J&K, particularly the youth, for their determination to counter such threats. He commended the public for spontaneously protesting against the terror attack.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line, along with the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, stand as testaments to India’s engineering prowess and determination. The Chenab Bridge, an architectural marvel, towers 359 meters above the river and spans 1,315 meters, designed to endure extreme seismic and wind conditions.
Modi interacted with the engineers and workers behind the Chenab Bridge, acknowledging their dedication. In a post on X, he wrote:
“Met the brilliant minds behind the Chenab Rail Bridge—people from across India united in their mission to build modern infrastructure. They shared their experiences, including overcoming immense challenges, and spoke of their families’ pride in their contributions.”
He described the hoisting of the Tricolour on the Chenab Bridge as a “moment of immense national pride,” symbolizing India’s ability to execute ambitious projects in challenging terrains.
This marks Modi’s first visit to J&K since the Pahalgam attack, with a focus on major infrastructure and developmental initiatives. A multi-layered security deployment, including the Special Protection Group (SPG), Army, CAPFs, and J&K Police, ensured safety during the Katra rally.
Among other key projects launched were the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, valued at over ₹350 crore.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the Centre’s commitment to J&K’s progress, resilience against terrorism, and infrastructural transformation.
