June 6, 2025 will go down in history as a powerful moment for Kashmir and the whole of India. On this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the beautiful valley of Jammu & Kashmir to unveil not just two engineering wonders—but a message of unity, progress, and possibility.
Let’s take you through what really happened and why it matters so much.
The Chenab Bridge – A Giant Among Bridges
Imagine a bridge taller than the Eiffel Tower. Yes, that’s the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s tallest railway bridge, built 359 meters above the Chenab River in Reasi district.
It’s not just tall—it’s strong, built to withstand powerful winds and even earthquakes. Spanning over 1,300 meters, this bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)—a dream project connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by train.
For decades, Kashmiris relied only on roads, which were often blocked by snow or landslides. But now, with this railway, all-weather connectivity has finally become a reality.
The Anji Khad Bridge – A First for India
Right alongside the Chenab bridge is another marvel—Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. It’s built across a deep gorge and stands nearly 200 meters high.
It took more than 20 years of hard work, planning, and innovation to make this happen. Harsh weather, tricky landscapes, and technical challenges couldn’t stop the engineers and workers from making this dream come true.
Vande Bharat Now in Kashmir!
As if these two bridges weren’t enough, PM Modi also flagged off new Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar. These are high-speed, comfortable trains—now reaching Kashmir in just 3 hours instead of 6 to 7!
And they’re specially designed for Kashmir’s winters—with heated windshields, warm interiors, and advanced safety features.
PM Modi’s Speech – A Message of Courage and Confidence
During his speech, PM Modi didn’t just talk about bridges—he talked about breaking barriers.
He remembered the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and said that Kashmir’s new rail connection is a strong reply to violence and fear. He called the day a “festival of unity and determination.”
He added, “This railway line will bring tourists, jobs, trade, and hope. And it will make sure that Kashmir never feels cut off from the rest of India again.”
Built with Heart, Not Just Steel
What makes this story even more special is the people behind it.
For example, Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, a dedicated engineer from IISc, spent 17 years helping to make these bridges a reality. Her work—and the work of thousands of others—proves that when India sets its mind to something, no mountain is too high.
Why It All Matters
Better connectivity means more tourists, more jobs, and a stronger local economy.
Students, workers, and families in Kashmir can now travel faster and safer.
National unity feels more real than ever before.
These bridges are not just for trains. They’re bridges of trust, bridges of growth, and bridges of belonging.
A New Chapter for Kashmir
With this historic visit, PM Modi reminded the world that Kashmir is not just a place of snow-capped mountains—it’s a land of courage, strength, and future possibilities.
The Chenab and Anji bridges are not just engineering feats. They are symbols of India’s spirit—to dream big, work hard, and rise above every challenge.
