Modi Launches Game-Changing Rail Project: Seamlessly Linking Kashmir to the Indian Plains

Kashmir’s Historic Railway Connection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a significant railway project that will connect the Kashmir Valley to the Indian plains. This 272-kilometer (169-mile) line marks the first time trains will run in this area.

The journey starts in Udhampur and goes through the bustling city of Srinagar before ending in Baramulla. It’s known for its challenging terrain, featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. The cost of this massive project is around $5 billion.

A standout feature is the impressive Chenab Bridge, which stretches 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) and rises 359 meters (1,177 feet) above the river. To give you an idea of its height, it’s taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Built to last over a century, it can withstand strong winds of up to 260 kph (161 mph).

During the inauguration, Modi visited the Chenab Bridge under heavy security and later traveled through scenic mountains on a test train. He also launched two "Vande Bharat" trains, which will cut travel time between Srinagar and Katra to about three hours, down from six or seven hours by road.

This visit was Modi’s first to the region since a recent military conflict with Pakistan, which escalated tensions. The conflict erupted following a deadly attack in April that resulted in 26 fatalities, primarily among Hindu tourists, which India attributed to Pakistan’s support for militants.

While addressing a rally in Katra, Modi criticized Pakistan, alleging its involvement in the attack aimed at hurting Kashmir’s tourism sector. He assured the crowd that development would not halt and promised support for local businesses through improved rail connectivity.

The railway project is seen as vital for boosting tourism and development in a region that has experienced years of unrest and violence. Currently, movement is limited to flights and precarious mountain roads. The new railway line should make travel safer and more accessible.

Kashmir has long been a contested territory between India and Pakistan, both of which claim it fully, but control different parts. Since 1989, armed groups have fought against Indian rule in the region, sparking ongoing conflict. India claims this insurgency is supported by Pakistan, a claim that the latter denies. Over the years, tens of thousands have lost their lives in this struggle.

Adding to the context, a recent study by the International Crisis Group noted that infrastructure projects, like this railway, can foster stability in conflict-prone areas by creating economic opportunities. Improved accessibility could potentially lessen tensions, although the complex political landscape remains challenging.

While optimism surrounds the project’s potential, many people in Kashmir have mixed feelings about the future. The railway might facilitate growth, but it also brings worries about increased military presence and scrutiny in an already sensitive region.

For more detailed insights on Kashmir’s historical conflicts and current developments, you can visit The BBC for a comprehensive analysis.

By linking Kashmir to the broader Indian economy, the railway could be a game-changer. Time will tell if it brings the lasting peace and prosperity that many are hoping for in this beautiful but troubled region.

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Narendra Modi,World news