“The Chenab Bridge is even taller than the Eiffel Tower...."

PM Modi Flags Off First Vande Bharat Train from Katra to Srinagar latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express train from Katra to Srinagar on Thursday during a special programme held in Katra. On this occasion, he also inaugurated the Chenab and Anji Bridges, engineering marvels constructed on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line.

Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children and members of the Railway staff onboard the Vande Bharat Express at Katra Railway Station.

Addressing the public, PM Modi said, “The dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari by rail has now become a reality. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line project is not just a name; it is a symbol of the new strength of Jammu & Kashmir and a testament to India’s growing might.”

Highlighting the engineering feat, he added, “The Chenab Bridge is even taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Chenab and Anji Bridges stand as living symbols of India’s capabilities on the inaccessible terrains of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of a bright future for India. Now, Kashmiri apples can reach the big markets of the country on time and at a lower cost.”

Reacting to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi affirmed, “Jammu and Kashmir's development will not be derailed by such acts. This is Narendra Modi’s promise. Anyone trying to hinder the dreams of the youth here will first have to face me.”

The newly launched Vande Bharat Express, after being flagged off, crossed the iconic Chenab Bridge shortly after leaving the station.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking at the inaugural ceremony in the presence of PM Modi and other dignitaries, remarked, “J&K will regain its statehood under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership.”

Reflecting on past milestones, Omar said, “I’ve been fortunate to be associated with the PM in multiple railway projects in J&K—from the inauguration of the Anantnag Railway Station to the Banihal Tunnel and now this. Back in 2014, the same four people were present here for the inauguration of the Katra Railway Station. While Manoj Sinha, who was then MoS Railways, has become the LG of J&K, I went from being CM of a state to CM of a UT. But things will return to normal soon.”

He further acknowledged former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, saying, “I was in 8th grade when the foundation for this railway project was laid. Now I’m 55, and the project is finally complete. It could only happen because Atal ji declared it a project of national importance and allocated a higher budget. This railway service will benefit J&K in every possible way.”

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also addressed the gathering, stating, “'Kashmir to Kanyakumari’ is no longer just a slogan. The Prime Minister has made it a reality today by launching the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat train. The bridges inaugurated today are not just structures of cement and iron but bridges of aspiration for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.”

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