PM Modi opens strategic railway in 'India's crown jewel' Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 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".

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Mr 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 in May, their worst stand-off since 1999, before a ceasefire was agreed to on May 10.

"Pakistan will never forget its shameful loss," the Hindu nationalist Premier told crowds a month after India launched strikes against its neighbour following an attack on tourists in Kashmir.

"Friends, today's event is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve," Mr 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.

New Delhi calls the Chenab span the "world's highest railway arch bridge", sitting 359m above a river.