Jammu, June 6 (ANB): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir today. The project includes the iconic Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge, two remarkable feats of engineering. According to the Associate News Bureau (ANB), the 272-kilometre-long USBRL project has been completed at an estimated cost of ₹44,000 crore. Fully electrified, the project features 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, and aims to provide seamless, all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. The project is expected to significantly boost regional mobility and socio-economic integration.
Among the highlights of the USBRL are the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—both of which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing at a height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, surpasses the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters. Spanning over one kilometre, this steel arch bridge is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 260 km/h and seismic activity. Engineered to last over a century, it stands as a testament to India’s technical prowess and ambition.
Meanwhile, the Anji Khad Bridge spans the deep gorge of the Anji River, south of the Chenab. As the first cable-stayed railway bridge in the country, it connects the Katra and Banihal sections of the USBRL. Built to endure high winds, seismic tremors, and challenging geological conditions, Anji Bridge symbolizes human resilience and visionary engineering.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains—one from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar, and another from Srinagar to Katra. Regular services for these trains will begin on Saturday, operating six days a week. The Katra–Srinagar–Katra train will not run on Tuesdays, while the Srinagar–Katra–Srinagar service will have no operations on Wednesdays.
These developments mark a significant leap in enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and key destinations, including the important pilgrimage site at Katra. ANB
