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Modi to Inaugurate World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Kashmir Amid Regional Tensions
Indian PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, in Kashmir Friday — his first visit since the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-04
Modi to Inaugurate World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in Kashmir Amid Regional Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first visit to Kashmir since the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity to the mountainous region.

Scheduled for Friday, Modi will open the 1,315-metre-long Chenab Bridge, a steel and concrete marvel spanning 359 meters above the Chenab River. The project forms part of the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, designed to provide seamless, all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India.

“The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Modi is also expected to flag off a special train service during the visit.

The inauguration comes amid heightened tensions following a four-day conflict in May between India and Pakistan, their most serious standoff since 1999. The confrontation was triggered by an attack on tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which India attributed to Pakistani-backed militants, though Islamabad denies involvement.

Anti-India separatist groups have long sought Kashmir’s independence or merger with Pakistan and retain significant local support.

The Chenab Bridge, touted by Indian Railways as “arguably the biggest civil engineering challenge” in recent Indian railway history, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, confirmed by Guinness World Records. While higher road and pipeline bridges exist, no railway bridge surpasses its height.

This $24-million infrastructure milestone will dramatically improve transportation for civilians and military logistics, slashing travel time between Katra and Srinagar by half, down to around three hours. The bridge will also boost connectivity to Ladakh, a strategically vital region bordering China.

India’s strategic rivalry with China remains intense, with both countries contesting border territories and enduring violent clashes as recently as 2020.

The rail link originates in Udhampur, home to the Indian army’s northern command, and extends northward to Srinagar, reinforcing India’s logistical and military presence in the region.

Modi’s visit signals New Delhi’s commitment to integrating Kashmir and strengthening its hold on the territory amid ongoing regional volatility.

 
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