In scenes that have since been played on a loop and celebrated across India, Modi is seen gripping an Indian flag high above his head, and dramatically marching across a bridge like a standard-bearer of a conquering army.
To accomplish this railroad project, Indian engineers had to build the "world's highest bridge", 359 metres above the Chenab river bed in Jammu. Likewise, the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, towers 331 metres above the river gorge.
"This shows that our resolve is as big as the dream for India's development," Modi said after signalling the commencement of the rail line and the two new rail bridges over the Chenab and Anji Rivers, on 5 June.
He added that the network "ensures all-weather connectivity" and will "boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities".
The Vande Bharat (Praise India) train, which connects the northernmost part of Indian-occupied Kashmir to Katra in Jammu, has been marketed as "setting a new benchmark in comfort for the people of Jammu and Kashmir".
But as hinted by Modi, the train is not for Kashmiris.