Jammu: In a moment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a “festival of unity and willpower”, Kashmir has officially been linked to Kanyakumari by rail. The PM inaugurated the historic Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, June 6.
The world’s tallest railway arch bridge now forms the critical link in the long-awaited Kashmir railway project.
PM Modi dedicated the Chenab and Anji bridges to the nation, marking the completion of a key phase in the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link. Built 359 metres above the riverbed, the Chenab Bridge surpasses even the Eiffel Tower in height.
“Indian engineers have accomplished the unimaginable. People go abroad to marvel at wonders like the Eiffel Tower, but now, they will come to Jammu and Kashmir to witness this engineering marvel,” PM Modi said.
‘Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ Rail Dream Now Reality
Calling Jammu and Kashmir the “crown of Mother India”, the Prime Minister underscored the economic and emotional significance of the railway connection. He said that the all-weather rail link will help Kashmiri produce, especially apples, reach markets across India faster and more affordably.
"Today’s program is a grand celebration of India’s unity and strong willpower. With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Kashmir Valley has now been connected to the rail network. We have always spoken of 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari', and now, this has become a reality for the railway network as well," PM Modi said.
“Even Omar Abdullah once said he had been waiting for this since his school days. Many governments spoke of it, but we got it done. Despite the challenges, we kept our promise," he recalled.
The completion of the Chenab Bridge has turned a slogan into a tangible achievement, linking the Himalayas to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula by train for the first time in history.
He also announced the launch of two new Vande Bharat trains for the region and laid the foundation stone for a new medical college. “Projects worth crores are being dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir today,” he added.
PM Modi also spoke about Operation Sindoor, India's military retaliation on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Have a look at his statement here:
"What happened in Pahalgam on April 22 is a clear example of this. Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam. Its intention was to incite riots in India. Its aim was to stop the earnings of the hardworking people of Kashmir. That’s why Pakistan targeted the tourists... The way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against Pakistan's conspiracy, the strength shown by the people this time has not only sent a strong message to Pakistan, but also to the entire world’s terrorist mindset. Jammu and Kashmir’s people have given a powerful response," PM Modi said.
