Kathua-Jammu Highway being upgraded to 6-lane
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs.46,000 crore at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, on 6 June.
Addressing people about the projects, he said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project is not just a name but a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s new strength and a testament to India’s growing capabilities https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
In line with the commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in the region, he inaugurated the Chenab and Anji rail bridges and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, enhancing connectivity within Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare facilities in the region, stating that Rs.46,000 crore worth of projects will accelerate development in Jammu and Kashmir, driving progress and prosperity https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
Stating that it is a privilege for J&K government that this ambitious railway project gained momentum during their tenure and has now been successfully completed, Modi emphasized the challenges encountered, like the difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions, and falling rocks in the mountains, making the project immensely tough and demanding.
However, he remarked that their government has consistently chosen to face challenges head-on and overcome them with determination.
The Prime Minister noted that numerous all-weather infrastructure projects underway in Jammu and Kashmir exemplify this commitment https://www.globaltenders.com/.
He cited the recently opened Sonmarg Tunnel and his experience traveling over the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge as remarkable milestones. Modi lauded the engineering brilliance and unwavering dedication of India’s engineers and workers, stating that the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, stands as a testament to India’s ambition.
He observed that while people travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the Chenab Bridge surpasses it in height, making it not only a crucial infrastructure achievement but also an emerging tourist attraction.
Similarly, the Prime Minister described the Anji Bridge as an engineering marvel, being India’s first cable-supported railway bridge.
He asserted that these structures are not just steel and concrete, but living symbols of India’s strength, standing tall in the rugged Pir Panjal mountains https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
Modi declared that these achievements represent India’s vision for a developed nation, proving that as grand as India’s dream of progress is, so too is its resilience, capability, and determination.
Above all, he emphasized that pure intentions and relentless dedication are the driving forces behind India’s transformation.
PM Modi pointed out the presence of premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and NIT, alongside Central Universities in Jammu and Srinagar, strengthening academic excellence in the regionhttps://www.bseindia.com/.
He also noted the expansion of the research ecosystem, further enhancing innovation and learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that remarkable advancements have been made in healthcare, with two state-level cancer institutes established in recent years. Over the last five years, seven new medical colleges have been opened, significantly benefiting both patients and aspiring medical students https://sbi.com.in/.
Highlighting the significant infrastructure development taking place in India’s international border regions, particularly in challenging terrains, the Prime Minister announced that hundreds of crores are being invested to improve connectivity and security.
He stated that the Kathua-Jammu Highway is being upgraded into a six-lane expressway, while the Akhnoor-Poonch Highway is undergoing widening to facilitate smoother travel. Under the Vibrant Village Program, development initiatives in border villages have been accelerated, ensuring better living conditions and opportunities for residents.
Modi mentioned that 400 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, previously lacking all-weather connectivity, are now being linked with 1,800 km of newly constructed roads https://www.nseindia.com/.
He announced that the government is allocating over Rs.4,200 crore for these infrastructure projects, reinforcing economic growth and regional development in border areas.
Background
Chenab and Anji rail bridges
The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. Through Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by 2-3 hours.
The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain.
Connectivity projects and other development initiatives
Prime Minister also dedicated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs.43,780 crore includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country aiming to transform regional mobility and driving socio-economic integration.
Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back. They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others.
In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs.1,952 crore.
He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs.350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. fiinews.com
