National News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new direction to rail connectivity to Kashmir with the Vande Bharat Express train running from Katra railway station to Srinagar. With this historical step, the rail route from Kanyakumari to Kashmir has been completely connected, which has become a symbol of the country's longest rail connectivity. This project will play an important role in the social and economic development of Kashmir along with increasing the convenience of passengers.
World's highest rail bridge: Chenab Bridge inauguration
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the world's tallest rail bridge, Chenab Bridge in Reasi district on the occasion. The bridge is located at an altitude of 359 meters, which is about five times the Qutub Minar and 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Chenab Bridge connects Bakkal and Kauri villages of Reasi and has an important role in rail connectivity to Kashmir. At the same time, Modi also inaugurated India's first cable-sted fig khad bridge, which is an important part of the project.
Importance of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
This project that transports rail to Kashmir has been completed under Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). It has taken about 70 years to complete this project. It is considered a new miracle of engineering, as it was fulfilled by facing hard geographical and natural challenges. The USBRL not only connects Kashmir to the country's main rail network, but will also strengthen stability, development and security in the region.
PM Modi's dialogue with passengers and employees
Prior to the green signal of Vande Bharat train, Prime Minister Modi interacted with the school children and railway employees present in the train. During this, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Jitendra Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were also present. This conversation created an atmosphere of warmth and enthusiasm in the program.
130 year old dream came true
The dream of rail connectivity till Kashmir is older than the century. Vikramaditya Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh and son of former Sadar-e-Riyasat Karan Singh, said that it is a matter of pride for his family that this dream started in the time of Dogra rulers has now been fulfilled. This project, which has stayed for decades, has now become complete and has become a symbol of the development and unity of Kashmir.
Tourism of Kashmir will also be strengthened
With the completion of this ambitious project, not only the passengers will get the experience of modern, fast and safe travel, but will also strengthen the tourism, trade and social development of Kashmir. Also, it will strengthen the safety of the railway connectivity sector. Prime Minister Modi adding rail route to Kashmir is a major achievement of unity and development of India, which adds a new chapter to Indian Railways history.
