What's happened
On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant infrastructure milestone. The bridge, the world's highest railway arch, aims to enhance connectivity in the region, which has been a focal point of conflict between India and Pakistan. Modi's visit follows a recent military escalation.
What's behind the headline?
Infrastructure and Political Implications
- The inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge represents a significant engineering achievement, showcasing India's capabilities in overcoming geographical challenges.
- Modi's emphasis on the bridge as a 'symbol of a rising India' highlights the government's agenda to integrate Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, particularly following the revocation of its special status in 2019.
- While the bridge is expected to boost tourism and economic development, many Kashmiris view it with skepticism, seeing it as a means to strengthen central control rather than a genuine effort to improve local conditions.
- The railway line, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, is designed to facilitate troop movement, raising concerns about its dual-use nature in a region marked by conflict.
- The project is likely to have long-term implications for regional stability, as it may alter the dynamics of local governance and security in Kashmir.
What the papers say
According to Gulf News, the Chenab Bridge stands at 359 meters, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower, and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Prime Minister Modi described it as a 'festival of unity and resolve' during its inauguration, emphasizing its strategic importance in connecting Kashmir with the rest of India. In contrast, the New York Times highlights the skepticism among Kashmiris, noting that many view the project as a means for the Indian government to entrench its control over the region rather than a lifeline for local residents. The South China Morning Post also points out the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan, framing the bridge's inauguration within the context of ongoing conflict and political rivalry.
How we got here
The Chenab Rail Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which began in 2003. This ambitious project aims to connect the Kashmir Valley to the Indian plains, overcoming challenging terrain and political tensions in the region. The bridge's construction faced numerous engineering challenges and delays due to security concerns.
Go deeper
- What are the engineering challenges faced during construction?
- How will the bridge impact local communities in Kashmir?
- What are the political implications of this project?
Common question
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What are the local reactions to the new Kashmir railway project?
The recent inauguration of the Kashmir railway by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stirred a mix of emotions among locals. While some see it as a vital step towards improved connectivity, others perceive it as a tool for central control. This page explores the various perspectives surrounding this controversial development.
More on these topics
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Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.
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Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term "Kashmir" denoted only the Kashmir Valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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The Chenab Rail Bridge is an Indian railway steel and concrete arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Jammu and Kashmir is a region administered by India as a union territory and consisting of the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China since