Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir on June 6th. During his visit, he will flag off the Vande Bharat Express train connecting Katra to Srinagar, thus completing the railway link from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Srinagar: June 6th, 2025, will be recorded as a significant day in Indian history when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar. This step will not only be a major achievement in connecting Kashmir with other parts of the country through rail but will also pave the way for new socio-economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.
On this historic occasion, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore, including the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.
Unprecedented Expansion of Rail Connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Due to the technical complexities and challenging geographical conditions of the Katra-Bannihal rail link, a crucial project for the nation, direct rail connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari had remained incomplete for years. While the construction of this track was completed in December 2024, technical testing and unpredictable weather delayed its inauguration. An April 2025 launch was planned but had to be postponed due to adverse weather and later, a Pahalgam attack.
Now, on June 6th, Prime Minister Modi will complete this pending work and present the nation with a new gift. The commencement of Vande Bharat train operations between Katra and Srinagar will not only ease transportation but also ensure stable and safe connectivity on the Jammu-Srinagar route after Katra. This is particularly significant because road routes are often disrupted by landslides and inclement weather, while the train service will offer a stable and reliable alternative.
Inauguration of Major Development Projects During PM Modi's Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit will not be limited to the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train; he will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's infrastructure. These projects include the dedication to the nation of the 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which presented significant technical and engineering challenges.
119 kilometers of this track runs through tunnels, and the total cost of this project is approximately ₹43,780 crore. The Prime Minister will also visit the country's highest arch bridge built over the Chenab River, a testament to engineering achievements.
Additionally, two flyovers at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 and Bemina Junction on National Highway-44 in Srinagar will be inaugurated, improving traffic flow and speed. The foundation stone for the widening of National Highway-701 from Rafiabad to Kupwara and the Shopian bypass on NH-444 will also be laid, with a combined cost of approximately ₹1952 crore.
Foundation Stone for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, built at a cost of ₹350 crore. This will be the first medical college in Reasi district, taking regional healthcare to new heights and providing local youth with higher education and employment opportunities.
Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will visit Katra on Thursday to assess the preparations. He will inspect the railway station, sports stadium, and other important locations. Students from government and private schools in Katra will also welcome the Prime Minister and have the opportunity to interact with him directly.
Students are particularly excited to ask questions about the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, national development, and the economy. This indicates that the younger generation is aware of and dedicated to the nation's progress.
