India’s Modi opens rail line, with world’s ‘highest railway arch’ bridge, to contested Kashmir
PM Narendra Modi says the strategic line – including 943 bridges – to Kashmir where there was a four-day conflict with Pakistan last month, ‘will improve connectivity’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made his first visit to Kashmir since a conflict with arch-rival Pakistan, opening a strategic railway line to the contested region he called “the crown jewel of India”.
Modi launched a string of projects worth billions of dollars for the divided Muslim-majority territory, the centre of bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947.
Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan fought a four-day conflict last month, their worst stand-off since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.
“Pakistan will never forget … its shameful loss,” the Hindu nationalist premier told crowds on Friday, a month since India launched strikes on its neighbour after an attack on tourists in Kashmir.
“Friends, today’s event is a grand festival of India’s unity and firm resolve,” Modi said after striding across the soaring bridge to formally launch it for rail traffic.
“This is a symbol and celebration of rising India,” he said of the Chenab Bridge which connects two mountains.