Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on June 6, 2025, by inaugurating the world’s tallest rail bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. The 1,315-meter-long bridge stands 359 meters above the riverbed taller than the Eiffel Tower and forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Designed to withstand extreme weather and seismic activity, the bridge is a monumental engineering feat that now enables direct train connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.

In addition to unveiling the Chenab Rail Bridge, PM Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Srinagar. The modern trains significantly cut down travel time and are expected to boost tourism, improve trade, and ease daily commutes for thousands in the region. Later in the day, Modi inaugurated another major structure India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji further strengthening the region’s transportation infrastructure.

These railway advancements are seen as a strategic push to bring Kashmir closer to mainland India, not just geographically but also economically. It was PM Modi's first visit to the region since Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The new rail lines are expected to fuel long-term growth and development while enhancing connectivity and security across Jammu and Kashmir.