Kashmir To Kanyakumari Now A Reality For Rail Network Too: PM Modi

The Chenab bridge has become a new milestone in pan-India connectivity, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarking that the phrase 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' has now become a reality even in the Indian railway network.

"While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers," the Prime Minister proudly said at a rally in Katra after inaugurating the two bridges.

He also inaugurated the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line and flagged off Vande Bharat services between Katra and Srinagar, which is expected to be a game-changer for tourism.

"We have always invoked Maa Bharati with deep reverence, saying 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.' Today, this has become a reality even in our railway network," said PM Modi, referring to Jammu and Kashmir as the "crown jewel of India".

The Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is an engineering marvel built in the face of extreme weather and a challenging topography. At 359 metres, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 metres.

"People visit France to see the Eiffel Tower, and this bridge is taller than that. This bridge will not just help you visit Kashmir, it will become a tourist destination itself," he said.

PM Modi said the Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Chenab and Anji bridges are a living symbol of India's power on the inaccessible hills of Pir Panjal. This is the roar of India's bright future...Kashmir's apples will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost and on time," he said.

The Prime Minister also called the 272-km USBRL project a symbol of an empowered Jammu and Kashmir and a resounding proclamation of India's growing strength.

India won't bow to terrorism, PM Modi reiterated, vowing that his government would not let development stop in Jammu and Kashmir at any cost.

"Jammu and Kashmir's development won't stop due to the Pahalgam attack. This is Modi's promise. I won't let development stop. No obstacle can stop the youth from achieving their dreams. Any obstacle must face Narendra Modi first," the prime minister assured the people of the Union territory.

Tourism is one of the key means to generate employment opportunities, but Pakistan is trying to destabilise the region, he said, slamming the neighbouring country known for harbouring terrorists.

"Our neighbouring country is not only against humanity but also against tourism. It is actively working against the livelihoods of the poor. The Pahalgam attack is a clear example of this. It was an attack on 'insaniyat (humanity) and Kashmiriyat'. It aimed at triggering riots in India. That is why they targeted the tourists," said the Prime Minister.

At least 26 civilians, including a local horseman, died in the April 22 terror attack.