The Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge, was inaugurated on June 6, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a historic milestone for India’s infrastructure. Rising 359 meters above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, this 1,315-meter-long structure is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at seamlessly connecting the Kashmir Valley with India’s railway network.
Engineering Feats
Towering 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower, the bridge’s steel-and-concrete arch is built to endure extreme conditions, including earthquakes up to magnitude 8, winds of 260 km/h, and blasts of up to 40 kg of TNT. Designed for a 120-year lifespan, the bridge showcases cutting-edge engineering to tackle the region’s seismic and environmental challenges.
Construction Challenges
Construction began in 2002, navigating the rugged terrain, high-velocity winds, and seismic risks of the Chenab River valley. The bridge’s iconic arch was completed in August 2022 with the “Golden Joint,” connecting the Kauri and Bakkal ends using massive cable cranes, a feat that underscored the project’s complexity and ambition.
Connectivity Impact
A successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Express on January 25, 2025, from Katra to Srinagar confirmed the bridge’s operational readiness, reducing travel time between these destinations to about three hours from a full day. The USBRL project will enhance accessibility, making the Kashmir Valley more reachable for residents and visitors.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The bridge is set to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and tourism. Offering stunning views of the Chenab River valley and Himalayan peaks, it is poised to attract tourists. The USBRL project will facilitate faster movement of goods and people, boost trade, and improve military logistics in this strategically vital region.
Local Impact
Local communities are optimistic about the bridge’s benefits. One resident noted, “It used to take a whole day to reach Srinagar from Jammu, but now with the Chenab Bridge, it will take just three to four hours.” Infrastructure like access roads and fabrication workshops has already spurred employment and development in remote villages.
Conclusion
The Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a symbol of India’s engineering excellence, uniting innovation with the ambition to connect one of its most challenging terrains to the nation’s heart. As a cornerstone of the USBRL project, it promises to reshape connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Last Updated on: Friday, June 6, 2025 12:03 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Friday, June 6, 2025 11:57 am | News Categories: India, Politics
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