Katra, Jammu and Kashmir – June 6, 2025: Today marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of Jammu and Kashmir, as Prime Minister Modi spearheaded a monumental push for development, dedicating and laying the foundation stone for projects worth an astounding ₹46,000 crore. This historic visit not only reaffirmed the Central Government‘s deep-rooted commitment to the Union Territory but also set in motion a new era of unprecedented connectivity, economic vitality, and social progress, signaling an irreversible path towards prosperity and peace.
The crescendo of the day’s events was the long-awaited dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. This colossal undertaking, an engineering marvel piercing through the formidable Himalayan ranges, is poised to redefine transport and integration in the region. At its heart lies the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, a testament to India’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities. Complementing this, the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, further showcases the innovative spirit driving this project. Adding to the excitement, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off two state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains, promising swift, comfortable, and all-weather travel, which will dramatically reduce journey times and stimulate greater socio-economic and cultural exchanges between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
#WATCH | J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves the Tiranga as he inaugurates Chenab bridge – the world’s highest railway arch bridge.#KashmirOnTrack
(Video: DD) pic.twitter.com/xfBnSRUQV5
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025
Source: ANI (@ANI)
Connecting Dreams: The USBRL Project – A Lifeline for J&K
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering at Katra, Prime Minister Modi passionately articulated that these development initiatives transcend mere infrastructure. “Today is not just about concrete and steel,” he declared,
“it is about connecting hearts, nurturing aspirations, and ensuring that every individual in Jammu and Kashmir reaps the full benefits of a developing India.”
The USBRL project, completed at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore, is a 272-km lifeline that integrates 36 tunnels (extending over 119 km) and 943 bridges. This all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the broader national network is unequivocally a game-changer. It promises to facilitate unprecedented regional mobility, boost trade, unlock the vast tourism potential, and accelerate socio-economic integration.
The Chenab Bridge: Soaring an astounding 359 meters above the Chenab River, this architectural marvel surpasses even the Eiffel Tower in height. Constructed with specially designed blast-resistant steel, it is engineered to withstand high-magnitude earthquakes and extreme wind speeds of up to 266 km/h. Its inauguration marks a colossal triumph in global civil engineering, symbolizing resilience and determination.
The Anji Khad Bridge: As India’s inaugural cable-stayed rail bridge, this structure represents another pinnacle of engineering innovation, expertly navigating challenging mountainous terrain with advanced construction techniques.
Vande Bharat Express for J&K: The introduction of modern, high-speed Vande Bharat trains on this newly opened route is set to significantly enhance spiritual tourism to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. More broadly, it will provide residents, tourists, and pilgrims with a highly efficient and reliable transport option, crucial for navigating the region’s diverse weather conditions.
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Beyond the ambitious rail network, Prime Minister Modi also underscored the critical importance of enhancing road infrastructure. He laid the foundation stone for the crucial road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass road on NH-444, collectively valued at over ₹1,952 crore. Furthermore, two vital flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44 were inaugurated. These road enhancements are pivotal for improving last-mile connectivity, particularly in remote and border areas, ensuring smoother and more efficient movement of goods and people across the Union Territory.
Fortifying Healthcare and Human Capital Development
Recognizing that robust healthcare is fundamental to regional prosperity, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. This ambitious project, costing over ₹350 crore, represents a significant leap forward. It will be the very first medical college in the Reasi district, substantially bolstering the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring greater access to quality medical education and services for the local populace. This initiative is perfectly aligned with the broader national objective of expanding and upgrading healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.
Catalyzing Economic Revival: J&K as an Investment Hub
The Prime Minister Modi’s visit resoundingly reinforced the government’s resolute efforts to cultivate a dynamic and attractive investment climate in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory has already witnessed a remarkable surge in investment proposals, with reports indicating commitments exceeding ₹1.63 lakh crore by December 2024, projections suggesting the creation of over 5.90 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities. This significant influx is a direct outcome of the forward-thinking Jammu & Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30 and other facilitative measures that offer robust incentives, including Capital Investment Incentive, GST Linked Incentive, and Working Capital Interest Incentive.
“The new industrial policy, coupled with transparent land allotment procedures and a favourable business environment, is rapidly transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a highly attractive destination for both domestic and international investors,” affirmed a senior official from the Industries and Commerce Department. Sectors such as horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem are at the forefront of this economic rejuvenation. The traditional handicrafts and handlooms sector, which provides livelihoods to approximately 4.22 lakh artisans, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with exports reaching an impressive ₹1,162.29 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. Initiatives like the QR Code-based certification system are playing a crucial role in authenticating Kashmiri crafts, thereby significantly boosting their global market appeal.
Prime Minister Modi “Naya Jammu and Kashmir”: A Paradigm of Inclusive Transformation
The pervasive theme of “Naya Jammu and Kashmir” epitomises the comprehensive, multi-faceted transformation underway since the abrogation of Article 370. This overarching vision extends beyond mere economic growth, encompassing holistic social empowerment, vibrant cultural preservation, and a profound strengthening of grassroots democracy. The government’s focused strategy has centered on several key pillars:
Youth Empowerment: Robust schemes and targeted initiatives are being implemented to provide critical skill development, foster entrepreneurship opportunities, and create avenues for local employment. The burgeoning startup ecosystem, now boasting over 1,030 registered startups (with 380 notably led by women entrepreneurs), stands as a powerful testament to this dedicated focus on the youth.
Tourism Revival: Beyond the grand infrastructure projects, concerted efforts have been made to actively promote tourism to previously lesser-known, offbeat, and border destinations such as Uri, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Keran, Machil, Bangus, and Gurez Valley. The “Let’s Visit J&K” campaign, championed by organizations like the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), aims to revitalize the sector, with projections estimating an astounding 2.36 crore tourist arrivals by 2024. The budget for 2025-26 has specifically allocated ₹390.20 crore for comprehensive tourism development, with strategic plans to further promote religious tourism and develop new adventure destinations. This renewed and invigorated focus is designed to harness J&K’s unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, positioning it as a premier global tourism hotspot.
[Visit the official J&K Tourism website for travel information and guides].Strengthening Grassroots Democracy: A significant emphasis has been placed on fortifying local governance through regular and transparent elections and empowering Panchayat Raj Institutions. This ensures that development benefits are cascaded down to every household, fostering a sense of ownership and participation.
Peace and Security: Prime Minister Modi’s visit occurs at a time when security agencies are operating in perfect synergy, making significant strides in eliminating terrorism. Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering stance on ensuring long-term peace and stability has been a cornerstone of this transformation, leading to tangible improvements in security indicators and cultivating an environment conducive to sustained development and growth.
A Future Forged in Development and Opportunity
Prime Minister Modi‘s landmark visit today serves as a powerful and unequivocal affirmation of the Centre’s steadfast resolve to integrate Jammu and Kashmir fully into India’s overarching growth narrative. The sheer scale and ambition of the projects inaugurated, coupled with the meticulously articulated long-term vision, unequivocally signal a future where the region’s immense and untapped potential is fully unleashed.
The transformative connectivity revolution ushered in by the USBRL project, the significant boost to healthcare infrastructure, the burgeoning and vibrant investment landscape, and the robust initiatives aimed at tourism revival are all integral components of a larger, cohesive strategy. This strategy is meticulously designed to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir embarks on an irreversible trajectory of progress and prosperity. As the Union Territory progressively sheds the lingering shadows of its past, it is unequivocally poised to emerge as a dynamic, economically vibrant, and socially thriving region, contributing significantly to the nation’s collective aspirations for growth and development. The prevailing mood across Jammu and Kashmir is one of cautious yet discernible optimism, as its citizens eagerly anticipate and look forward to truly reaping the long-term dividends of these monumental and transformative development endeavors.
