Enhanced Security Measures in Jammu and Kashmir Ahead of PM Modi's Visit

In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, security has been significantly heightened in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have particularly intensified inspections and vigilance in Katra, located in the Reasi district. On Thursday, security forces conducted extensive checks in the Ramban district, utilizing dog squads and performing thorough vehicle inspections. Additionally, security measures have been reinforced at the Udhampur railway station to ensure safe transit ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited Katra railway station to inspect the upcoming Vande Bharat trains. Abdullah expressed his long-standing anticipation for this moment, recalling that the rail project was initiated when he was in the 7th or 8th grade. He noted that now his children have completed their education and started working. He added, 'The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vande Bharat service tomorrow, which will be beneficial for us. Whenever the highway is blocked, airlines start selling tickets for ₹20,000 instead of ₹5,000; such issues will now be resolved.'

Union Minister Jitendra Singh remarked that when PM Modi took office in 2014, the construction of this bridge was nearly halted, and there were debates about the feasibility and safety of building the world's highest bridge. He emphasized that this project would ease travel and enhance trade, allowing travelers to reach Srinagar within three hours and reducing congestion on the highways. 'This will be part of a developed India,' he stated.

The Northern Railway has announced the commencement of regular Vande Bharat Express services between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, starting June 7. These services will operate six days a week, improving connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and this significant pilgrimage site. Notably, PM Modi is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir today to inaugurate several projects, including the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge, and to flag off the Vande Bharat trains.

Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge around 11 AM and tour the bridge deck. Following this, he will visit and inaugurate the Anji Bridge. At approximately noon, he will flag off the Vande Bharat trains. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several development projects in Katra, amounting to over ₹46,000 crores.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project to the nation. He will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains operating between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. Furthermore, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various road projects, including the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass road on NH-444, with a budget exceeding ₹1,952 crores. He will also inaugurate two flyover projects at Sangram Junction on National Highway-1 and Bemina Junction on National Highway-44, which are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic flow for travelers.

In Katra, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, which will cost over ₹350 crores. This will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, significantly contributing to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. It is noteworthy that this visit marks PM Modi's first to the area following 'Operation Sindoor,' which was a response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, after a precise strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan on May 7.