Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir on May 6, 2025, and laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated development projects worth over ₹46,000 crore at Katra.
- Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project was dedicated to the nation.
- Cost: Around ₹44,000 crore
- Length: 272 km
- Features: Fully electrified, 36 tunnels, and 943 bridges
- Includes:
- Chenab Bridge – World’s highest railway arch bridge
- Anji Khad Bridge – India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge
- Two Vande Bharat Express trains flagged off:
- From Katra to Srinagar and Srinagar to Katra
- Regular service began on Saturday
- Features:
- Silicone heating pads and heated plumbing to operate in sub-zero temperatures
- Reduces travel time by nearly 3 hours
- Offers modern amenities and climate-specific adaptations
- Foundation stones laid for road projects, enhancing last-mile and border area connectivity.
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence:
- Foundation stone laid in Katra
- Project worth: ₹350 crore
- First medical college in Reasi district, boosting healthcare infrastructure
