Jitendra Singh, CM Omar review ‘last minutes touches’ at Chenab Bridge

Jammu, Jun 5: It was a day of final inspections by the J&K helmsmen and “finishing touches” to the arrangements made for the much-anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Katra-Reasi on June 6, 2025.

Interestingly, they also allowed “peep” to one and all, by sharing details of their inspection visits on social media.  Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed “last minute touches” at the site of the inauguration of the world’s highest railway bridge – the Chenab bridge.

The Chenab Bridge, hailed as an engineering marvel, is to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Details of their visit were shared by the Union Minister through social media, with a collage of pictures.

The duo also visited to see the arrangements at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, which was also all decked up for flagging off Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar by the Prime Minister. Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani too accompanied the duo.

Later, they reviewed the arrangements being given the finishing touch at Katra Stadium- the venue of the public rally to be addressed by PM Modi.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar too were present there along with officers of Police and Civil administration.

Singh also received the Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw at Katra by presenting him a “lavender kit.” Following it, the duo deliberated over arrangements being made for the Prime Minister’s visit.

Earlier in the morning, Singh posted, “Just one day - more to wait. The majestic “Chenab Bridge” is going to be inaugurated by PM Shri Narendra Modi on 6th June 2025. Beginning of a grand new chapter #JammuandKashmir!”

Along with it, he posted a video on the bridge stating, “Chenab bridge: A historic leap for Jammu and Kashmir. Only one day remains. Witness a moment that will define generations. On June 6, 2025, Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the world’s highest railway bridge – a triumph of determination. This bridge is more than infrastructure. It is the pulse of a rising Jammu and Kashmir. It is the beginning of a bold new chapter in connectivity – from trade and tourism to empowering farmers and local communities. It is where dreams meet development and Viksit Bharat takes yet another proud step forward.” The union minister, responding to media persons’ queries, credited the Prime Minister’s determination for the completion of the USBRL project.

“This rail service was envisioned around 150 years ago by Maharaja Pratap Singh. It was envisioned as a rail service at a small scale like we have in the mountainous regions of Darjeeling and Shimla. But somehow it did not happen. After independence, Jammu waited till 1972 to have a train service. Now after over 50 years, we will get train service from Jammu to Kashmir,” Singh said.

He said, “In 2014, this project was almost stalled and Chenab bridge was the main critical point. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed unflinching determination and in the last ten years, we created two engineering marvels – Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge. Now, there will be ease of travel; ease of business and ease of commerce. Within 3 hours or so, you can reach Srinagar. A new chapter of J&K’s growth story has begun to integrate it into the growth story of Viksit Bharat.”

Later, speaking to media persons, the beaming CM Omar, on a light-hearted note said, “It has been a long wait for me (for completion of this bridge). This rail project began when I was in 7th or 8th standard. Now even children have completed their school and college education and they have even started working. But, better late than never! Tomorrow the Prime Minister will inaugurate the project and flag off Vande Bharat Express.”

“This is going to benefit us a lot. Particularly, when the highway gets blocked; our supplies get blocked and people cannot travel. Particularly, air service providers start fleecing us by selling a ticket worth Rs 5000 for Rs 20000. This exploitation (by air service providers) will stop. We will be able to take our horticulture produce like apples, cherries and other dry fruits directly to markets without any hassles. So, it is of course good development,” he said.