Jammu, June 5:
Strong and unprecedented security measures have been set up ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The Prime Minister will flag off the new Vande Bharat train service to the Kashmir Valley during this historic trip.
A multi-layered security system, including personnel from the Special Protection Group (SPG), the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Jammu & Kashmir Police, is in place. Hundreds of security staff will ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and the smooth conduct of the event.
This visit holds special significance as it is PM Modi’s first trip to Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor. Security forces have intensified their presence in Jammu city, Reasi district, and along the railway route stretching from Katra to Baramulla in Kashmir. The army and other forces are positioned at all key points along the mountainous railway line. The track is closely monitored with advanced equipment such as drones, sniffer dogs, electronic devices, and night vision tools.
A senior security official said, “No risks are being taken for the Prime Minister’s visit. Every aspect of security has been carefully planned. This historic visit, which will create new milestones for Jammu and Kashmir, is fully secured and safe for the thousands of people expected to witness the event.”
During the visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat train service and lay foundation stones for various development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore. On Friday, two Vande Bharat Express trains will be flagged off from the Mata Vaishno Devi base camp at Katra — one heading to Srinagar and the other returning from Srinagar to Katra.
Railway officials have stated that the Vande Bharat trains will provide fast, comfortable, and reliable travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims alike. The Prime Minister will also virtually inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several important road projects aimed at improving last-mile connectivity, especially in border areas.
Key projects include the widening of the National Highway from Rafiabad to Kupwara and the construction of the Shopian bypass road, valued at nearly Rs 1,952 crore. Two flyover projects in Srinagar at Sangrama and Bemina junctions will ease traffic congestion and improve traffic flow.
Another significant project is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, which will be the first medical college in Reasi district, with an investment of over Rs 350 crore.
As part of the inauguration program, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, one of the world’s highest railway bridges, followed by the Anji Bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Around midday, the Prime Minister will officially flag off the Vande Bharat trains from Katra Railway Station. These trains will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours, saving 2-3 hours compared to existing travel times.
In addition, PM Modi will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. This 272-kilometer-long railway, costing around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers and 943 bridges. It ensures all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, aiming to improve regional mobility and boost socio-economic integration.
This historic moment marks the fulfillment of a dream that was over 70 years old. PM Modi’s visit and the projects inaugurated will help rewrite the story of India’s progress as it advances towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, led by a visionary leader dedicated to both peace and progress.
