NewzVille Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs. 46 thousand crore at the holy town of Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine tomorrow. The Prime Minister will also flag off the much awaited first train to Kashmir valley ending years-old wait of direct train to the Valley.
PM Modi will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back from Katra Railway Station. The train service will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various road projects virtually from Katra with a view to boost last mile connectivity especially in the border areas of J&K. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs. 350 crore-first medical college in Reasi district, contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Chenab bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world and the Anji bridge, the first cable-stayed bridge in the country. Modi will also dedicate Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs. 44 thousand crore includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges. The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the rest of the country aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.
Ahead of the much awaited event, security has been intensified, especially near Chenab Bridge, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and key track sections and all arrangements including live CCTV surveillance is in place to welcome dignitaries and citizens for this historic event. Forces are maintaining high alert, and special checkpoints have been set up as part of the comprehensive security plan for the high-profile visit.
