Jammu, June 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, where he will unveil a slew of development initiatives aimed at transforming infrastructure and connectivity in the Union Territory. The projects, with a combined value of over โน46,000 crore, signal a major investment in the regionโs progress.
During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge at around 11 a.m. Recognized as the worldโs highest railway arch bridge, it stretches 1,315 metres and towers 359 metres above the Chenab River. Designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds, this engineering marvel is expected to dramatically cut travel time between Katra and Srinagar by 2โ3 hours, bringing the journey down to just about three hours.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Anji BridgeโIndiaโs first cable-stayed railway bridgeโconstructed in a geographically challenging region. Around noon, he will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, providing a major boost to passenger connectivity for locals, tourists, and pilgrims.
Another milestone will be the dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km railway corridor, built at a cost of โน43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. It promises all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, paving the way for greater integration and development.
To enhance road connectivity, especially in border districts, PM Modi will lay foundation stones for key highway projects. These include the widening of the RafiabadโKupwara stretch on NH-701 and construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, collectively costing over โน1,952 crore. Additionally, two major flyoversโat Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44) in Srinagarโwill be inaugurated to ease urban traffic congestion.
In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. With a budget of โน350 crore, this will be the first medical college in Reasi district and is expected to strengthen medical services in the area.
This high-profile visit underscores the governmentโs commitment to accelerating Jammu and Kashmirโs development through better infrastructure, improved transportation, and enhanced public services.