Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the long-awaited dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari through the railway network has finally been fulfilled. Speaking at the inauguration of multiple infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore—including the iconic Chenab and Anji Khad railway bridges—he described the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) as more than just a railway project. “USBRL is not just a name; it is the identity of a new Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister, invoking the blessings of Vaishno Devi, said, “With her blessings, Kashmir is now connected to Kanyakumari.” He also announced the introduction of two new Vande Bharat trains in the region and inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi, marking a significant boost to health infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the historic nature of the project, Modi recalled that generations in Jammu and Kashmir had aspired for such connectivity. He quoted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said he had dreamt of this even as a student, adding, “I am proud that during my tenure, this dream has come true.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather, the Prime Minister said the government was commitment to overcoming obstacles and delivering world-class infrastructure. “Walking across the Chenab and Anji bridges, I felt the dedication and hard work of every engineer and worker. These are not just bridges; they are symbols of our determination,” he remarked.
The Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge globally, stands at 359 metres—higher than the Eiffel Tower—and is expected to become a major tourist attraction. The Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, adds strategic and touristic value to the region’s infrastructure.
“These projects lay the foundation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” Modi said. “They will enable Kashmiri apples, dry fruits, and pashmina shawls to reach markets across India faster than ever, while also facilitating smoother travel for residents.”
Calling Jammu and Kashmir the “crown of Mother India,” Modi praised its rich culture, hospitality, talent, and natural beauty as the jewels of this crown.
On the health front, Modi shared that MBBS seat capacity in the region had increased from 500 to 1,300. The bed strength at the new medical college in Reasi, funded by contributions to the Vaishno Devi shrine, is expected to grow from 300 to 500 beds, serving as a beacon of healthcare for the region.
As the NDA government marks 11 years in power, the Prime Minister reiterated its mission to serve the poor and promote inclusive development across India.
Turning to security issues, Modi condemned the recent attack in Pahalgam, calling Pakistan a “rival of tourism and livelihoods.” He mourned the death of Syed Aadil, a ponywalla killed in the attack, and highlighted Kashmir’s record-breaking tourism revival over the past five years despite such threats.
Modi lauded the “resilience of Jammu and Kashmir’s people”, especially its youth, who “have rejected terrorism in favour of peace and progress”. “Where once they saw no future, today they see hope—in new shopping malls, cinemas, gardens, and in Kashmir’s potential as a hub for film shooting and sports,” he said.
He noted the massive turnout at the Kheer Bhawani temple pilgrimage as a sign of a changing mindset and assured that upcoming festivities like Eid and the Amarnath Yatra would proceed peacefully. “The Pahalgam attackers wanted unrest, but I will not let that unrest prevail,” Modi declared.
Recalling the recent Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said it sent shockwaves to Pakistan and that in retaliation, they attacked civilians and religious places in Jammu. He praised the courage of border residents amid cross-border shelling and announced government aid to affected families, including financial assistance for damaged homes.
Modi called on the youth of Kashmir to join the ‘Make in India’ defence initiatives, urging them to contribute their innovation and talent to national security and technological progress.
