In a moment filled with patriotic fervor, chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed through the Chenab Valley as the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express crossed the world’s highest railway arch bridge — the iconic Chenab Bridge — on Saturday. Passengers onboard erupted in celebration, capturing the historic event that has quickly gone viral across social media platforms.
The train, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ efforts to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The journey between Srinagar and Katra, now served by the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express, offers breathtaking views and symbolizes a new chapter in the region’s infrastructure and integration.
The Chenab Bridge, soaring 359 meters above the riverbed — higher than the Eiffel Tower — is an engineering marvel. Built in a seismic zone and designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h, the bridge showcases India’s technological and engineering advancements. It stands as a proud achievement for the Indian Railways and a strategic link in the region’s connectivity.
Passengers, visibly emotional, began chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as the train glided across the steel arch. Videos of the moment have since garnered widespread attention, with many hailing it as a proud and unifying moment for the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described it as a “landmark in India’s transportation history,” highlighting the government’s focus on inclusive development and improved accessibility in border and remote areas. “This project is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our engineers and workers who made the impossible possible,” he stated.
The Vande Bharat Express is expected to boost tourism, local trade, and overall connectivity in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with the government’s larger vision of infrastructure-led growth.
The train service also holds strategic importance, ensuring smoother and quicker movement across this sensitive region, especially in times of emergency. With the success of this route, further Vande Bharat services are anticipated across other mountainous terrains.
