JAMMU/SRINAGAR: In line with his commitment to boost rail infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Chenab bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and flag off two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar during his visit to the UT on Friday (June 6).Besides the two momentous projects, the PM will launch multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra in Jammu, and will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. He will also inaugurate the Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, in Reasi district, officials said.The massive developmental push comes at a time when J&K is reeling under the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack and its aftermath.Two days before the PM’s visit, LG Manoj Sinha said the infrastructure boost was aimed at driving J&K’s transformation, enhancing living standards and fostering broader economic participation. “PM Modi has created an inclusive and vibrant future for J&K. It has witnessed a new dynamism in every sector and inclusive growth has ensured no section of society is left behind,” he added.The LG emphasised that the 272-km long USBRL, constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore, would usher in a new era of development in Kashmir. The rail link, which includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, establishes seamless all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, driving the region’s socio-economic integration.“This historic railway line will unlock the potential of Jammu & Kashmir and drive unprecedented economic growth in remote areas,” Sinha said, adding “it’s a railway line to the future.”The Chenab bridge, considered an engineering marvel, is part of the USBRL. Built at a height of 359 metres above the River Chenab, it is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and extreme wind conditions.“Through Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by two-three hours,” said an official.PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, built at a cost of over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district.Some of the other projects to be inaugurated on June 6 include road networks that will boost last mile connectivity, especially in border areas, officials said. The PM will lay the foundation stone of a road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on NH-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He will also inaugurate two flyovers in Srinagar.