PM Modi Unveils ₹46,000 Cr Development Push in Jammu & Kashmir, Declares New Era of Connectivity and Progress

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir: In a landmark visit that marked a transformative chapter for Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore. Addressing a massive gathering at Katra, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a celebration of India’s unity and determination, saluting the bravery of the land of Veer Zorawar Singh.

With the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, PM Modi flagged off key rail initiatives that mark a historic milestone for the region — notably the inauguration of the Chenab and Anji rail bridges and the extension of Vande Bharat train services. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, today this phrase truly reflects our connected India,” he declared, hailing the completion of the long-awaited Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line Project as a symbol of new strength for Jammu and Kashmir.

Overcoming some of the harshest terrains and climatic challenges, the Chenab Bridge — now the tallest railway arch bridge in the world — and the Anji Bridge — India’s first cable-supported railway bridge — stand as engineering marvels. PM Modi praised the brilliance and perseverance of Indian engineers, stating that while people travel to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, “the Chenab Bridge, which is taller, will draw the world to India.”

He noted that these projects are not just infrastructure triumphs, but catalysts for economic prosperity. With improved connectivity, the Prime Minister said, local products such as apples, dry fruits, and Pashmina shawls will now reach markets across India more efficiently. Traditional artisans, local entrepreneurs, and transporters stand to benefit significantly. A student’s account from Sangaldan — that villagers once only saw trains in videos — resonated as a symbol of the transformative power of the new rail links.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new medical college in Jammu, reaffirming the government’s focus on healthcare expansion in the region. He highlighted recent strides in the medical sector — including seven new medical colleges and a rise in MBBS seats from 500 to 1,300 in the last five years. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, he said, reflects the convergence of modern healthcare and philanthropic tradition, and will soon see its bed capacity increased from 300 to 500.

Touching on educational empowerment, the Prime Minister pointed to the establishment of premier institutes such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIT, and central universities in Jammu and Srinagar. He noted that Jammu and Kashmir is becoming an integral part of India’s transformation into a global knowledge hub.

In his address, PM Modi also emphasized the wider national reforms and schemes over the past 11 years that have uplifted millions. From pucca houses to financial inclusion, clean water to electricity access, the Prime Minister listed out landmark initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that over 25 crore people have emerged out of poverty during this period.

The Prime Minister didn’t shy away from addressing regional security concerns either. Referring to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, he strongly condemned Pakistan’s attempts to destabilize the region and derail the tourism economy. He lauded the courage of local youth like Adil, who lost his life resisting terrorists, and asserted that terrorism will never break the spirit or the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also invoked Operation Sindoor — a successful counterstrike against Pakistan-based terror camps last month — as a symbol of India’s military readiness and the strength of its domestic defense production. Announcing increased compensation for families affected by cross-border shelling and damage, he assured continued support and rehabilitation efforts. “Border residents are our nation’s first line of defense,” he said, announcing the formation of two new Border Battalions and two Women Battalions for the region.

Highlighting infrastructure investments, he revealed that under the Vibrant Villages Program, 400 remote villages are now being connected via 1,800 km of all-weather roads. ₹4,200 crore is being invested in such infrastructure projects. Additionally, major highways like the Kathua-Jammu and Akhnoor-Poonch are being upgraded for seamless travel and trade.

Calling upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to join the national Mission Manufacturing initiative, PM Modi said the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat lies in homegrown defense technologies and local innovations. He emphasized the role of young innovators in propelling India to become a top defense exporter.

In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, driven by peace, progress, and the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. “We are building a developed India, and a developed Jammu and Kashmir is at its heart,” he said, to resounding applause.

The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, V. Somanna, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, among others.