Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 30 

India’s railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitments on infrastructure were being fulfilled, as he inspected the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.

Vaishnaw visited the bridge after flagging off an extended Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express earlier in the day.

He travelled onward to Reasi to review progress on key projects along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, including the Anji Khad Bridge.

He was accompanied by junior minister Jitendra Singh and lawmaker Manoj Tiwari, along with senior railway and administrative officials.

During the visit, Tiwari recited an impromptu couplet describing the mountainous rail corridor – ‘Kahin kahin pe bridge hai, baaki sara surang hai’ (There are bridges at places, the rest is all tunnels) – drawing laughter from those present.

Speaking to reporters, Tiwari said the infrastructure push reflected the government’s focus on delivering on its commitments. 

“We say only what can be accomplished,” he said, referring to the ongoing railway projects in the region.

Vaishnaw responded with a smile, praising Tiwari’s style of expression.

The Chenab Bridge, a key component of the rail link connecting Kashmir with the rest of India, is expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time once fully operational.