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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, June 6, to unveil a slew of key infrastructure and development projects worth more than Rs 46,000 crore in Katra. The visit, his first to the Union Territory following Operation Sindoor, comes amid heightened security across the region.

The major highlight of the visit is the formal inauguration of the Chenab and Anji bridges— the two much-awaited engineering marvels. The Prime Minister will also dedicate Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation.

PM Modi To Flag Off Chenab And Anji Bridges

The Chenab Bridge, situated at the height of 359 metres above the river, holds the record as the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Spanning 1,315 metres, this steel structure has been designed to endure extreme seismic and wind conditions. In tandem, the Anji Bridge stands out as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge built in treacherous terrain.

With these two bridges operational, travel between Katra and Srinagar will now take just three hours, reducing the journey time by nearly two–three hours.

PM Modi will inaugurate the Chenab bridge and visit the bridge deck at around 11 AM, followed which he will visit and inaugurate the Anji bridge. At around 12 noon, PM Modi will flag off Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra and Srinagar and lay the foundation for several road and medical infrastructure projects.

Multi-Layered Security Ahead Of PM's Visit

Given the sensitive nature of the visit, especially following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, authorities have implemented a stringent multi-tiered security setup in the union territory. Senior police, army, paramilitary, and intelligence officers are overseeing arrangements as a high security alert has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir in view of PM Modi's visit. 

Drone surveillance, traffic restrictions, and intensified area domination operations have been rolled out. Security forces have conducted raids on suspected Over Ground Workers and tightened vigilance along border areas to thwart any potential threats.

Several roads leading to the Katra Stadium, where PM Modi will address a public rally, are expected to remain closed or diverted on Friday. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba range, Shiv Kumar has directed the officers on the ground to remain vigilant.

USBRL Completion Marks New Era In Kashmir Connectivity

The completion of the USBRL project, built at a cost of approximately ₹43,780 crore, is being described as a transformative step for Jammu and Kashmir. It includes 36 tunnels covering 119 km and 943 bridges, enabling all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country. According to a statement by PMO, the project will significantly boost regional mobility and socio-economic integration.

In addition to the railway project, PM Modi will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back. "They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others," the PMO statement said.

New Roads, Flyovers, And Medical College In Pipeline

PM Modi, in a bid to boost last-mile connectivity, will also lay the foundation stone for the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, valued at Rs 1,952 crore. Two new flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar are also set to be inaugurated to ease congestion.

Further strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister will launch the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra with an investment of over Rs 350 crore. The institute will be the first medical college in Reasi district.