New Delhi, June 5, 2025 — In a landmark event that underscores India's commitment to infrastructural development and regional integration, the first Vande Bharat Express train successfully completed its trial run across the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir. This achievement, highlighted by political analyst Rishi Bagree on X, marks a significant milestone after 77 years of planning and just 4 years of accelerated progress following the abrogation of Article 370.
The Chenab Bridge, towering 359 meters above the Chenab River, is not only an engineering marvel but also a symbol of connectivity and development in a region historically marked by challenges. The trial run of the Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and modern amenities, signifies a new era for Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing its link to the rest of India and boosting economic prospects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the bridge on June 6, 2025, alongside flagging off two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar. This event is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity, with the trains expected to reduce travel time significantly, fostering tourism and economic growth in the region.
The project, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), has been a long-standing goal since its approval in 2002, with construction intensifying post-2019. The bridge's completion and the operationalization of the Vande Bharat Express are seen as pivotal in transforming Jammu and Kashmir's landscape, both literally and figuratively.
Critics and supporters alike have noted the strategic importance of this development, especially in the context of post-Article 370 scenarios, where infrastructure projects are viewed as tools for integration and stability. The Chenab Bridge, with its capacity to withstand extreme conditions and its design for a 120-year lifespan, stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess and its vision for a connected future.
As the nation gears up for the inauguration, the event is anticipated to be a celebration of progress, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of New India, as encapsulated by the trending discussions on social media and the anticipation surrounding this infrastructural giant.
