New Delhi, Jun 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi would place Kashmir on Indiaís rail map and dedicate Rs 46,000 crore Jammu and Kashmir projects to the nation on Friday.
In line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region, the PM would inaugurate the Chenab Bridge and visit the bridge deck at around 11 am.
Thereafter, he would visit and inaugurate the Anji bridge.
PM Modi would flag off Vande Bharat Trains at around noon.
Thereafter, he would lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra.
CHENAB AND ANJI RAIL BRIDGES
The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 1177 feet above the river, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
It is a 1315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions.
A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu.
Through the Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it would take just about 3 hours to travel between Srinagar and Katra, reducing existing travel time by 2 to 3 hours.
The Anji Bridge is Indiaís first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain.
CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
PM Modi will also dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation.
The 272-km long USBRL project, constructed spending around Rs 43,780 crore includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges.
The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country aiming to transform regional mobility and driving socio-economic integration.
The PM will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra to Srinagar and back.
These will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims among others.
In a major boost to last-mile connectivity especially in border areas, PM Modi would lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various road projects.
He will lay the foundation stone of the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass on NH-444 worth over Rs 1952 crore.
The PM will also inaugurate two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on the National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44.
These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for commuters.
PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore.
It will be the first medical college in the Reasi district to contribute substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
