On June 6, 2025, India achieved a monumental milestone in infrastructure with the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Standing at an impressive height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, this single-arch bridge is now the world’s highest railway bridge, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 meters .
A Dream Realized
The vision for a rail link to Kashmir dates back to 1892 under Maharaja Hari Singh. After decades of planning and overcoming numerous challenges, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project has come to fruition. The Chenab Bridge, a critical component of this 272 km rail line, connects Katra to Banihal and features 36 tunnels and 943 bridges .
Engineering Feat
The bridge’s construction involved over 28,660 tonnes of steel and 66,000 cubic meters of concrete. Its arch, weighing approximately 10,619 tonnes, is designed to withstand winds up to 266 km/h and seismic activity of the highest intensity (Zone-V) . Engineers utilized two massive cable cranes to erect the arch, which took three years to complete. The bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 120 years.
Strategic and Economic Impact
Beyond its engineering prowess, the Chenab Bridge holds strategic significance. It facilitates all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, enhancing tourism, logistics, and regional development . Additionally, the introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains, capable of operating in harsh winters, will further boost connectivity.
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