In a strong rebuke to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the neighbouring country of plotting to cripple Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector and sow communal discord in India. Speaking from Katra after inaugurating two landmark railway projects, PM Modi referenced the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, alleging it was a deliberate attack aimed at undermining the state’s economy.
“Pakistan is against humanity, tourism, and the livelihood of Kashmiris,” PM Modi declared, linking the violence directly to a broader strategy by Pakistan to promote unrest in the region.
India responds with infrastructure strides and military resolve
While addressing the gathering, PM Modi asserted that Pakistan had been warned and would not succeed in its attempts to destabilise the country. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s response through Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes targeted radar systems and air bases, sending a strong message against the harbouring of terrorists.
“Operation Sindoor will remain a reminder of Pakistan’s shameful defeat,” he said, reaffirming India’s stance of targeting terrorism, not the Pakistani people.
Record-breaking infrastructure boost to Jammu and Kashmir
The Prime Minister used the occasion to underscore the Union government’s development push in the region. He flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar, marking the first direct train link between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
Also inaugurated were two engineering marvels:
- Chenab Rail Bridge: The world’s highest railway bridge, standing 359 metres above the river—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1.3 km long bridge required more than 600 km of steel welding, exceeding the distance from Jammu to Delhi.
- Anji Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, spanning 725.5 metres. Its distinctive single pylon structure supports 96 stay cables installed in a record 11 months, stretching a combined length of 653 km.
The train route features India’s second-longest transportation tunnel, the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (T-80), which spans 11.22 km between Banihal and Qazigund. The entire rail link involves 36 tunnels and 66.4 km of escape routes, making it a historic milestone in Indian rail engineering.
Railway connectivity promises economic uplift
According to Northern Railway, the new Vande Bharat service offers Chair Car and Executive Class options, priced at ₹715 and ₹1,320 respectively. The enhanced connectivity is expected to boost regional tourism and local employment.
PM Modi’s statements and the launch of these infrastructure projects mark a significant assertion of India’s development agenda in the region, even as it faces continued threats from across the border.