Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, a multi-tier security setup has been put in place. The Prime Minister’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir has been scheduled for Friday. He will be in Jammu and Kashmir to inaugurate the much-awaited Kashmir rail link and also dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore in Katra, officials said.
Since India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, this will be PM Modi`s first to the Union Territory.
As reported by PTI, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge and India`s first railway cable-stayed Anji Bridge. Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge, after being inaugurated, will become the symbols of India`s engineering excellence. Moreover, the Indian Prime Minister will also flag off Vande Bharat trains to mark the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL). The railway link will provide direct train connectivity to the valley and will play an important role in enhancing the connectivity of the valley to other parts of the country.
Furthermore, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore in Katra.
The 272 km long USBRL project which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 43,780 crore. It includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges.
What makes this project surreal is that it has been made in such a way that it will provide all-weather and seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country. This highly thoughtful project aims to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.
Prime Minister Modi will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back. They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims, among others.
Modi will also lay the foundation stone of the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701.
PM Modi’s schedule also includes the inauguration of two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44.
Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Out of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km was commissioned in phases, beginning with the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section in October 2009, followed by the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, the 25 km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014, and the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February 2024.
Furthermore, work on the 46-kilometre Sangaldan-Reasi section was completed in June of last year, leaving a total of 17 kilometres between Reasi and Katra, which will be completed in December 2024.
Officials claimed a high security alert has been issued across Jammu and Kashmir in preparation for the Prime Minister`s arrival, with senior police, paramilitary personnel, army, and intelligence officers personally monitoring the situation.
As reported by PTI, heavy security deployments have been made in and around the venues using cutting-edge technology, including drones, according to officials, and the security grid on the borders and in the hinterland has been strengthened to prevent infiltration and movement of anti-national and subversive elements.
Ahead of the PM`s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba range, Shiv Kumar, directed the officers on the ground to remain vigilant.
The officials said several roads heading towards Katra Stadium, the venue of Modi`s public rally, may be shut or there may be traffic diversions on Friday.
(With PTI inputs)