Timing could not have been better.
"Today's programme is a grand celebration of India's unity and willpower", said PM Narendra Modi.
The Chenab Bridge in Reasi district, built for Rs 1,456 crore, stands 359 meters above the riverbed, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
As India moves ahead after its successful Operation Sindoor leaving a rather shameless western neighbour grieving, crying and begging from water to IMF charity, Bharat that is India has achieved something unique and extra ordinary.
The inauguration of the last section of the Udhampur-Baramulla-Srinagar Rail Link, Chenab Bridge and Ajni Bridge will enable direct train travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
The project, which needed modern engineering capabilities, was a dream of the Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Pratap Singh, who in the late 1880s envisioned the route and engaged British engineers for surveys.
It was 1884 and Maharaja Pratap Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir state asked his Prime Minister, Diwan Anant Ram, to write a letter to the Government of British India.
In the letter he would propose a vision to connect his state to the Raj's rail network in the subcontinent. One of his dreams was fulfilled but was lost to the Partition. Another never moved beyond paper. But the third rail route the Maharaja proposed and even started initial surveys on, has finally come to life today, 141 years later.
In his speech at the grand inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam”
“Its intention was to create riots in India and disrupt the livelihoods of the hard-working people of Kashmir.
That is why it attacked the tourists.”
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator from Pahalgam who was killed while trying to protect the tourists during the attack. Recalling his bravery, Modi hailed Adil as a true hero of the valley.
PM Modi also hailed the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their resilience and commended their bravery. “The way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against Pakistan’s conspiracy has sent a strong message - not only to Pakistan but to terrorism across the world,” PM Modi said.
He also praised the changing mindset of the region’s youth, who he said are now determined to respond decisively to terror.
“This is the same terrorism that once burned schools, destroyed hospitals, and ruined entire generations.
But today’s youth have made up their minds to give a befitting reply,” Modi added.
The event marked PM Modi’s first visit to the Kashmir Valley since the attack and subsequent military operation.
The Prime Minister was addressing a large gathering in Katra following the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, along with India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
He also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge and launched the first-ever train service directly linking Kashmir to the Indian mainland.
This landmark event comes just weeks after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically took the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. It also marks PM Modi’s first visit to the Kashmir Valley since the attack and subsequent military operation.
The inauguration of multiple all-weather infrastructure projects in Kashmir served as a strong message from PM Modi that his government remains committed to the development of the region.
The Chenab bridge is an engineering marvel and is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and now seamlessly connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via rail.
Moments after inaugurating the Chenab Bridge, the Prime Minister was seen waving the Tiranga and walking across it with a broad smile.
Accompanying him were Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as he cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Speaking at an event in Jammu after inaugurating a railway bridge on the River Chenab, PM Modi said it was a "historic moment" in India’s infrastructure push and a milestone in integrating Kashmir with the rest of the country.
"I saw the statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said that work on this project started when he was in school. We have fulfilled the dream of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the Prime Minister said.
Calling the project a "symbol of national unity", PM Modi said, "Today's programme is a grand celebration of India's unity and willpower".
"I saw the statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said that work on this project started when he was in school. We have fulfilled the dream of the people of J&K," Modi said.
ends
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