JUNE 04: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, chaired a high-level meeting to assess the preparedness for the upcoming visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Katra on June 6. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the landmark Chenab Bridge and flag off the Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir, marking a historic development in the region’s transportation and infrastructure landscape.
The meeting brought together top officials from civil administration, security agencies, and railway authorities to ensure seamless coordination and comprehensive security arrangements ahead of the high-profile visit. LG Sinha emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to guarantee a successful and safe event.
A major highlight of the PM’s visit is the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. This engineering marvel spans the Chenab River in the Reasi district and stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess and determination to connect even the most challenging terrains.
Alongside the bridge inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express, the first semi-high-speed train to run between Jammu and Kashmir. This event coincides with the nearing completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which is poised to provide all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley for the first time in history.
The USBRL is a transformative infrastructure project under the umbrella of “Viksit Bharat” — a vision for a developed, inclusive, and connected India. With its completion, the project will not only enhance travel and trade between the region and the rest of the country but also promote tourism and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
LG Manoj Sinha highlighted that this moment marks a new era for the region and reflects the central government’s commitment to equitable development and national integration. As Jammu & Kashmir prepares for this significant milestone, the focus remains on efficient planning, secure arrangements, and celebrating this proud achievement in India’s journey toward progress and unity.