PM Modi inaugurates world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express train from Katra railway station, which is expected to boost regional connectivity by gradually linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

Before flagging off the train, the Prime Minister inspected the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Bridge and also interacted with the workers who were part of the massive project.

The inauguration of the semi-high-speed train marks a milestone in connecting the Kashmir Valley to one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites—Katra, home to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine—through cutting-edge rail infrastructure.

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Two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains—Train Nos. 26404/26403 and 26401/26402—will ply the Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar route with a key stop at Banihal.

Equipped with modern onboard amenities and reduced travel times, these trains aim to serve both tourists and local commuters with greater speed, comfort, and efficiency.

The most crucial part of the entire project is the Chenab Bridge, an architectural marvel which stands 359 meters above the Chenab River—taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Spanning 1,315 meters, the steel arch bridge is built to withstand high winds and seismic activity, significantly enhancing rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

With the new Vande Bharat trains operating on this route, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will be reduced by 2–3 hours, to just about 3 hours.

The Anji Bridge, also set to be inaugurated, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge and has been constructed to meet the demanding conditions of the region’s rugged terrain.

The 272-km rail line from Udhampur to Srinagar, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, features 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. The project establishes year-round rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, promising to transform mobility and foster economic integration.

In addition, two Vande Bharat Express trains will run between Srinagar and Katra from June 7, providing fast and comfortable travel for locals, tourists, and pilgrims.