Vinod Bhat
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described the Chenab Railway Bridge as a game-changer for the economy of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and also a significant contributor to India’s overall economic growth, in an interview to a leading media agency. He described the bridge as an engineering marvel and a monument of India’s technological prowess. The bridge, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6th of June.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “A rail connectivity to the Valley will transform the lives of people, promote employment, boost trade, and add substantial economic value. The Chenab Bridge will be a cornerstone of the J&K growth story and play a vital role in India’s economic journey.” The railway line project is expected to connect Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Srinagar, and Baramulla districts to the national railway grid, thereby ensuring all-weather connectivity and integrating the region more deeply with the rest of the country.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, is not only an infrastructural feat but also an engineering marvel that will attract tourists, engineering professionals, and scholars from around the world. “It is much more than a connectivity project. It is an architectural landmark that reflects the technological prowess of India,” he remarked. The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the bridge’s timely completion, noting that the project saw no progress until 2014. It was only after the direct intervention and prioritization by the Prime Minister that key infrastructure projects in the region were expedited and completed.
Responding to questions on Operation Sindoor, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India gave a befitting reply to its adversaries and sent a clear message on its defence resolve. He also took a firm stance against those who doubted India’s economic resilience. “Contrary to the skepticism voiced by so-called intellectuals, India’s economy rose to the 4th largest in the world from 5th post Operation Sindoor. This shows India’s economic fundamentals are stronger than ever,” Dr. Singh asserted.
