State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 07 Jun 2025

Jammu & Kashmir Connectivity Boost

Why in News? 

On 6th June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a ₹46,000 crore infrastructure plan to improve connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.  

• These initiatives aim to promote tourism, strengthen regional links, and stimulate the local economy and job opportunities. 

Key Points 

• Major Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated: 
  • Chenab Rail Bridge: The Chenab Rail Bridge is now the world’s highest railway bridge. 
    • It will significantly enhance rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, facilitating faster and safer travel across the mountainous region. 
    • It is built to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h. 
    • Reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar to 3 hours. 
    • This bridge symbolizes India's engineering prowess and is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) corridor. 
  • Anji Khad Bridge: The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. 
    • It is situated 331 meters above the riverbed and stretching 725 meters. 
    • It connects the towns of Katra and Raesi. 
    • The bridge, built in challenging terrain, is designed to withstand harsh weather and seismic activity. 
  • Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): 
    • Total project cost: ₹43,780 crore. 
    • Length: 272 km, including 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges through rugged Himalayan terrain. 
    • It provides all-weather connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and India, reducing reliance on disrupted road transport and enhancing mobility and economic integration for remote regions. 

• Boost to Religious and Tourism Sectors: 
  • Launch of Vande Bharat Trains: The new Vande Bharat Express service will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. 

Chenab River 

• Source: Originates in the upper Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi in Lahaul and Spiti district. 
  • Chandra River: Originates from glaciers near Chandra Taal, east of Bara-lacha la pass. 
  • Bhaga River: Originates from Surya Taal lake, west of the same pass. 
• Course: Flows through the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir, enters Punjab in Pakistan, and merges with the Indus River. 
  • Anji river is a tributary of the Chenab River. 
• Major Projects/Dams: 
  • Ratle Hydro Electric Project 
  • Salal Dam (Reasi) 
  • Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Plant (Kishtwar) 
  • Pakal Dul Dam on the Marusadar River, a tributary in Kishtwar.