Latest news with #Udhampur-Srinagar-BaramullaRailwayLink
India Gazette
42 minutes ago
- India Gazette
"Historic day": Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after PM Modi ianugurates Chenab bridge
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 6 (ANI): Calling this day 'historic', Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that the Chenab bridge part of the Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) was constructed working in harmony with nature. Addressing the public during the inauguration of the Chenab bridge, Vaishnaw said, 'Today is a historic day. Another gem has been added to Jammu and Kashmir. Today, PM Modi has inaugurated the railway line connecting Jammu to Srinagar. The country had cherished the dream of this railway line for decades. There were great challenges in its construction... Instead of trying to conquer nature, working in harmony with nature, this railway line has become a reality today through this network of bridges and tunnels. This was made possible due to the steely determination, hard work and laser-sharp focus of our Prime Minister.' Prime Minister Modi today inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - the 'Chenab Railway Bridge' - and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with schoolchildren on board and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train. The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world. These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. In a remarkable gesture, Prime Minister Modi waved the Tiranga, the Indian national flag and carried it forward on the deck of the bridge on the Chenab River. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present during the inauguration. These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 metres above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development. It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a 272 km long USBRL project, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, which includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI)
India Gazette
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"All good work is indeed left for me only to complete," says PM Modi as he inaugurates major railway projects in J-K
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 6 (ANI): Noting that the newly inaugurated Chenab and Anji Bridges will not only connect Jammu and Kashmir directly but also boost economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that these bridges are not just structures of brick, cement, steel and iron, but a living symbols of India's strength and the roar of India's bright future. As he inaugurated several railway projects, marking major transformation and a boost in railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi asserted that all the good work was 'indeed' left for him to complete. The Prime Minister stated that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project is a recognition of Jammu and Kashmir's new strength and a proclamation of India's new strength Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said, 'Today's programme is a huge celebration of India's unity and willpower. With the blessings of Mother Vaishno Devi, today Kashmir valley has been connected with India's rail network. While describing Mata Bharti, we have been saying with reverence, Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This has now become a reality for the railway network as well. USBRL project is not just a name, it is the recognition of Jammu and Kashmir's new strength. It is a proclamation of India's new strength.' 'I got the opportunity to inaugurate Chenab and Anji bridges. Today, J-K has received two new blessings. Here in Jammu, the foundation stone of a new medical college has been laid. Projects worth Rs 46,000 crores will give a new impetus to the development of Jammu and Kashmir,' he added. Congratulating the people of the territory on these projects, PM Modi said, 'I congratulate all of you for this new era of development. Many lineages of J-K have spent their lives dreaming of rail connectivity. Yesterday, I was watching CM Abdullah's statement; he had also said that since he was studying in 7 or 8 standard, he was waiting for the completion of this project. Today the dream of lakhs of people of J-K has been fulfilled. All the good work is indeed left for me only to complete. It is the good fortune of our government that this project gained momentum during our tenure, and we completed it...' Highlighting that the Indian Railways faced major challenges in the completion of the USBRL project, the Prime Minister stated that now the focus is on building all-weather projects and Sonmarg tunnel, Chenab bridge and Anji bridge are all examples of this. He said, 'This was a challenging project to complete, but our government always chooses the path of challenging the challenge itself. The all-weather projects being built in J-K are an example of this. The Sonmarg tunnel was started a few months ago. I came via Chenab and Anji bridges. While walking on these bridges I have experienced the lofty intentions of India, the honor and courage of our engineers, our workers.' Prime Minister Modi further highlighted that the bridge on the Chenab river is taller than Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and it has potential to become a tourist site. 'Chenab bridge is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. People go to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris in France and this bridge is much higher than the Eiffel Tower. Now people will definitely go to see Kashmir via Chenab bridge; this bridge will also become an attractive tourist destination in your country. Our Anji bridge is also the best example of engineering. It is the first cable-supported railway bridge in India,' the PM said. PM Modi further noted that these bridges will in boosting the local economy also. He said, 'These bridges are not just structures of brick, cement, steel and iron, they are living symbols of India's strength, standing on the rugged hills of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of India's bright future. This shows that as big as the dream of Viksit India is, equally big is our courage and our capability. And the most important thing is the good intention. This is an extraordinary effort. Chenab or any other bridge will become a means of prosperity for the world. This will not only increase Tourism but will also benefit other sectors of the economy.' Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting Jammu division with Kashmir. (ANI)
India Gazette
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Dedication, service and good governance": Delhi CM Rekha Gupta praises PM Modi for completing 11 years of leadership
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 11 years of leadership, calling it a period marked by 'dedication, service and good governance.' She also hailed the inauguration of the world's highest railway bridge - the Chenab Bridge - in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a historic feat of Indian engineering. In a post on X, Rekha Gupta wrote, '11 years of dedication, service and good governance! In the last 11 years, under the leadership of Hon'ble @narendramodi ji, India has touched new heights of development, trust and global pride.' She also shared her appreciation for the Prime Minister's latest achievement, the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge - a major milestone in India's infrastructure development. 'Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world's highest railway bridge - Chenab Bridge, a unique marvel of Indian engineering, in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir,' she tweeted. Describing the Chenab Bridge as more than just a structure, she called it a reflection of India's new spirit. 'This bridge is not just a structure, it is a symbol of the confidence, determination and speed of the new India,' Gupta added. Concluding her message, the Chief Minister extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Prime Minister, 'Hearty thanks and congratulations to the Prime Minister for this historic achievement.' Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. In a remarkable gesture, Prime Minister Modi waved the Tiranga, the Indian national flag and carried it forward on the deck of the bridge on the Chenab River. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the inauguration. Before the inauguration of the bridge on the Chenab, the Prime Minister inspected the railway arch bridge. These bridges are part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development. It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region. Apart from this, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back shortly. They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The Prime Minister will also dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI)
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India.com
4 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Chenab Bridge Soars: How World's Tallest Railway Arch Became India's Biggest Engineering Challenge?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, world's highest railway arch bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir today, a historic achievement on the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project. Coupled with India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad, this engineering giant improves all-weather connectivity to Kashmir, a boon to tourism and regional development. Chenab Bridge: An Engineering Triumph Approved in 2003, the 1.31-km Chenab Bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, was completed after two decades because of the Himalayan region's tricky terrain and isolation. The highlights are: Height and Strength: It stands at 359 meters, 35 meters higher than Eiffel Tower and five times Qutub Minar's height. Built with 28,660 metric tonnes of steel, it remains stable even in sub-zero temperatures, 266 km/h winds, and seismic earthquakes. 5. The Chenab Bridge - world's highest railway arch bridge. - Length: 1.3 Km - Height: 359 m (35 m higher than Eiffel Tower) - Steel welding: More than 600 Km, that is more than the length of Jammu to Delhi Railway track. — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 5, 2025 Design Resilience: Trains are able to cross safely at slow speeds even if one of the piers is broken, a display of decades of research to maintain structural integrity. Engineering Accomplishment: Referring to it as India's "largest civil-engineering challenge of recent times," the government called for large machinery to be moved to a hilly terrain despite facing logistical challenges. Vande Bharat Trains Inaugurated PM Modi also inaugurated Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, aimed at revolutionsing tourism in Kashmir. Made to endure extreme Himalayan weather conditions, these trains boast: Silicon heating pads and bio-toilet tanks to avoid freezing during sub-zero temperatures. Auto-draining features and anti-spall layers for secure running during rough weather. Modern safety and comfort features for passengers. A Game-Changer for Kashmir The Chenab Bridge, a part of the ₹43,780 crore USBRL project, links Kashmir to India with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. This engineering landmark, hailed as an architectural work of art, will improve connectivity, trade, and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, making it resilient to the region's harsh climate and seismic threats.
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
J-K: PM Modi flags off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra to Srinagar
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting Jammu division with Kashmir. This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train. The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world. These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. In a remarkable gesture, Prime Minister Modi waved the Tiranga, the Indian national flag and carried it forward on the deck of the bridge on the Chenab River. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the inauguration. Before the inauguration of the bridge on the Chenab, the Prime Minister inspected the railway arch bridge. These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir. The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development. It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. (ANI)
