Srinagar, June 7 (KNS): On the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge the world’s highest railway arch bridge Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing a project that had been long awaited. He said, "Many people dreamt of this train service. What the British couldn't do, you made a reality. Now, the Kashmir Valley is finally connected to the rest of India by rail."

Addressing a gathering CM Omar Abdullah said that 'Many people had this dream. What the British couldn’t do, you got done. Kashmir is now connected to the rest of the country.”

On Vajpayee’s contribution: “I must thank former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I was in Class 8 when this project began. I’m now 55, and I finally see it finished. Vajpayee ji declared it a national project and increased the funding, he said.

He also said that 'While Manoj Sinha ji has been promoted with blessings of Mata, I’ve gone from being Chief Minister of a state to that of a Union Territory.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBut I hope this change will be corrected soon. With your help, PM Modi, J-K will regain statehood.”

I’ve been lucky to witness all major railway milestones in J-K—from Anantnag Station and Banihal Tunnel to Katra Station in 2014, and now this iconic bridge. Projects like the Jammu and Srinagar Ring Roads, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, four-lane highway, airport expansions, and railway development are moving fast, he said.

This bridge is more than just a structure. It represents the dreams of generations and will greatly benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

We are doing our best to achieve a developed Jammu and Kashmir for a developed India. On behalf of the people here, I thank you, Prime Minister.”

The inauguration marked a historic moment not just for infrastructure, but also for unity and progress in the region, he added.(KNS)