PM Modi Chenab Bridge Inauguration Live Updates: PM Modi rips into Pak; says Pahalgam incident was attack on 'insaniyat and Kashmiriyat'

'Modi ji hai toh mumkin hai,' says BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari

BJP MLA & West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari said, "Modi ji hai toh mumkin hai. Omar Abdullah's dream was fulfilled by Modi ji. The Chenab rail bridge is unique."

Vande Bharat Express train flagged off by PM Modi from Katra today arrives at Srinagar

'Challenging project,' says IRCON's JGM Ashwani Dayal on transformative railway project in J-K

Ashwani Dayal, Joint General Manager at Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON), on Friday highlighted the complexities of constructing the railway project in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge project, citing political and engineering challenges.

Dayal noted that motivating people to work on the project was a significant challenge.

While speaking to ANI on Friday, Dayal said, "Everyone knows that it was a challenging project, both politically and in terms of engineering... Another big challenge was to motivate people to come here to work on this project."

The project incorporated advanced safety features, including fire-safe cables and doors, escape doors, and unidirectional jet fans with automatic sensors.

Dayal emphasised the safety features incorporated into the tunnel construction, including fire-safe cables and fire doors that can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. "Fire-safe cables and fire doors have been installed in the tunnels. They can withstand a temperature of up to 1000 degrees. Escape doors have also been provided so that people can get out safely from there," he added.

'The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge!' says PM Modi

BJP slams Congress, says Kashmir rail link project 'gathered dust' under Cong rule

BJP hit back at Congress for "spreading half truth" about the Kashmir rail link project, and said Modi government finished what it started, unlike the opposition party which only made announcements and forgot to fulfil them during its term.

This came after Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) is a powerful example of continuity in governance which he claimed is "consistently denied" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his "perennial desire for self-glory".

Reacting sharply to the Congress leader's remark that came ahead of Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the world's tallest railway bridge over Chenab river, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari wrote on X, "Mr Jairam Ramesh ji, stop spreading half truths."

Fact is that the Chenab Bridge project was declared a national project by the NDA government in 2002, ensuring 100 per cent central funding.

It was approved in 2003 to provide all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, he added.

Dream of rail link to Kashmir made possible due to PM's determination, says rail minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that the long-cherished dream of linking Kashmir to the rest of India by rail has been fulfilled, because of prime minister Narendra Modi's determination and focused leadership for making it a reality.

"The nation had nurtured the dream of the Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line for decades. There were many difficulties, like tall mountains and deep valleys. But we do not have to fight nature... through a network of bridges and tunnels, this railway line has become a reality," he said.

The rail minister further addedt that all this was "possible due to the strong will, determined endeavour and laser sharp focus of the PM."

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: 'On the night of May 6, devastation rained on Pakistan’s terrorists. Now, whenever Pakistan hears ‘Operation Sindoor,’ it will remember its destruction and defeat', says PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir see this progress and want it to become a centre for film shooting: PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: 'Our neighbouring country opposes peace, tourism, and even the livelihood of the poor. What happened in Pahalgam on April 22 is a clear example. Pakistan attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat', says PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Experts stuck in old politics miss govt’s real impact

“Those who claim to be experts in social systems remain trapped in old politics, exploiting Dalits for votes. They should look at our government’s schemes—who is truly benefiting now, especially those deprived even decades after independence.”: PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: J&K’s role in India’s growth set to rise, says PM Modi

“Jammu and Kashmir’s participation in India’s development will increase further, with institutions like AIIMS and IIT alrady established here. In recent years, two cancer centres and seven medical colleges have also opened."

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Kashmir is the jewel of India: Rich culture and vibrant youth, says PM Modi

“Kashmir is the crown of India with precious gems. Its ancient culture, values, spiritual awareness, world of herbs and flowers, and the shining talent of its youth are truly remarkable.”: PM Modi

Watch PM Modi speaks in J& K

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: People will come to see Kashmir via the Chenab Bridge. Its height will make it a major tourist attraction, says PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: 'Several generations in Jammu and Kashmir passed away waiting for railway connectivity': PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: 'With Mata Vaishno Devi’s blessings, Kashmir now has railway connectivity. We’ve always said: from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one', says PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Today’s event is a grand celebration of India’s unity and willpower, says PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: PM Modi inaugurates multiple projects including a medical college in Jammu and Kashmir

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: PM Modi unveils commemorative coin and postage stamp

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative coin and a special postage stamp during the ceremony.

Watch: People in Katra performed aarti and showered flower petals on PM Narendra Modi's vehicle, as his cavalcade moved across a part of the city

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: 'Kashmiri apples can now reach the rest of the country and the world through the new rail link', says Omar Abdullah

PM Modi JK Visit Live: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says the train to Srinagar from Jammu will start from September after the revamp of the station

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Prime Minister interacts with students aboard Vande Bharat

Watch: PM Modi lags off Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express train; Visuals from Nowgam Railway Station

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat

Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves the Tiranga as he inaugurates Chenab bridge - the world’s highest railway arch bridge

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: PM inaugurates the Chenab bridge

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: ​Excited school students gather at Katra to welcome PM Modi ahead of Vande Bharat flag off

Watch: PM Modi speaks with Omar Abdullah, Ashwini Vaishnaw as he watches an exhibition on USBRL project; also interacts with people who worked on the project

Watch: Visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspecting Chenab Bridge. He will inaugurate the bridge shortly.

Watch: Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express train all decked up at Nowgam Railway Station ahead of being flagged off by PM Modi

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Ashwini Vaishnaw shares video of Anji, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge that PM Modi will inaugurate today

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Kashmir rail link example of continuity in governance which PM never acknowledges, says Congress

The Congress on Friday said the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) is a powerful example of continuity in governance which it claimed is "consistently denied" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his "perennial desire for self-glory".

The opposition party's assertion came just ahead of Prime Minister Modi inaugurating the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Stretching 272 km through the rugged Himalayas, the project has been built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said governance involves great continuity, "a fact consistently denied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his perennial desire for self-glory".

This is especially true when it comes to the implementation of extraordinarily challenging developmental projects, he said in a statement.

The USBRL was initially sanctioned in March 1995 when P V Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister, Ramesh said.

PM Modi J&K Visit Live: Built for the Himalayas—Vande Bharat trains customised for Kashmir

The new Vande Bharat trains deployed on the Jammu–Srinagar route are specially designed for harsh Himalayan winters. Capable of operating at minus 20°C, the trains come with heated windscreens, insulated lavatories, and advanced onboard heating. This engineering ensures uninterrupted service and passenger comfort year-round. The move marks a significant leap in railway innovation and regional accessibility.

PM Modi JK Visit Live: Vande Bharat Express schedule announced for Kashmir route

Indian Railways has announced schedules for the new Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra and Srinagar. Train 26401 will depart Katra at 8:10 AM and reach Srinagar at 11:08 AM, while train 26402 returns at 2:00 PM and reaches Katra at 4:48 PM. A second service, train 26404, will run from Srinagar at 8:00 AM to Katra at 10:58 AM. Its return leg, train 26403, departs Katra at 2:55 PM and arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 PM. These trains will run six days a week with one weekly off day.

PM Modi JK Visit Live: Kashmir gets all-weather rail connectivity

With the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project today, Kashmir now has all-weather rail connectivity with the rest of India. The 272 km route includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore. PM Modi will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains during the event, marking a new chapter in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.

PM Modi JK Visit Live: World’s highest Chenab Bridge to be inaugurated; Rs 46,000 crore projects lined up

PM Modi is also expected to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge—the world’s highest railway bridge—during his visit to J&K. Along with the iconic structure, infrastructure projects worth Rs 46,000 crore are likely to be unveiled. Ahead of the visit, security has been intensified across Udhampur and Reasi districts, with special focus on the Katra area.

PM Modi JK Visit Live: PM Modi to launch Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra to Srinagar today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district today to launch two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra and Srinagar. The trains will run on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272 km-long project featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore. Regular operations begin from June 7, 2025. This will mark Kashmir’s first-ever all-weather railway connection with the rest of India.