Vande Bharat Train: Spiritual Tourism to Business Opportunities, PM Modi To Script a New Chapter in History of J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir's development with the inauguration of infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore, set to transform connectivity, spiritual tourism, and economic growth in the region. The highlight of this development push is the introduction of Vande Bharat trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote,

Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives.

In addition to being an extraordinary feat of… https://t.co/cPJ15HqOTb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2025

"Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth Rs. 46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives."

He also emphasized the strategic and architectural significance of Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, calling it not just a marvel but a transformative link that will bridge the gap between Jammu and Srinagar. Alongside it, the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, showcases engineering excellence in one of the most challenging terrains of the Himalayas.

One of the most impactful announcements is the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. The project ensures all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir and paves the way for seamless movement of goods and people, even in extreme winter conditions.

The Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar is expected to become a catalyst for spiritual tourism, with faster and more comfortable travel for devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. Moreover, this improved connectivity is set to open up new livelihood and business opportunities, especially in tourism, logistics, and trade.

Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also acknowledged the importance of this development in a post earlier today:

"Visited the tallest railway bridge in the world, The Chenab Bridge, to review arrangements for the visit of the Hon PM @narendramodi ji tomorrow. Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected..."

This historic moment marks not just an engineering triumph, but a symbolic integration of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, fulfilling decades-long infrastructure ambitions and reflecting the Centre’s vision of equitable development.

As PM Modi arrives in the Union Territory to inaugurate the projects, eyes across the nation will be on J&K — a region stepping into a new era of progress, connectivity, and opportunity.