Katra, June 7, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha celebrated the realization of the “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” vision, declaring it a living embodiment of “one nation, one soul” during the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge on June 6, 2025, in Reasi district. Speaking at the event alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sinha emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is now fully integrated with India’s spirit, resonating with peace, progress, and patriotism.
The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the Chenab River, is a cornerstone of the ₹43,780-crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Spanning 1,315 meters, it connects Katra to Srinagar, enabling the Vande Bharat Express to cover the 272-km route in just three hours, a significant reduction from the 6-7 hours by road. Sinha lauded the bridge as a symbol of India’s engineering excellence and national unity, stating, “From a slogan to reality, this bridge unites hearts from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”
Sinha highlighted the region’s transformation under his leadership, noting enhanced connectivity, security, and economic opportunities. The bridge, designed to withstand earthquakes and winds up to 266 km/h, alongside the Anji Khad Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—promises to boost pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, tourism, and trade in Kashmiri goods like apples and handicrafts. Social media posts on X echoed Sinha’s message, with one user writing, “LG Manoj Sinha’s vision for a united, prosperous J&K shines through the Chenab Bridge.”
The inauguration, marked by Modi waving the Tiranga atop the bridge, followed rigorous security measures due to recent regional challenges. Sinha praised the workers and engineers for overcoming harsh terrain and weather, utilizing innovative techniques like mule-carved access roads and massive cable cranes. The project’s on-site NABL-accredited lab ensured top-tier quality, a first for Indian Railways.
Sinha’s address underscored Jammu and Kashmir’s integration into India’s growth story, with the Chenab Bridge standing as a testament to peace, progress, and patriotism, connecting not just regions but the aspirations of a united nation.
