Published on: June 6, 2025 8:16 pm
India Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Bridge Over Chenab River
June 6, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir
India celebrated a major infrastructure milestone with the official inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s tallest single-arch railway bridge. Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River—35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. Spanning 1,315 meters, it is a critical part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at improving year-round rail access to the Kashmir Valley.
Engineering Highlights
Constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, the bridge features a 467-meter main arch, designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 and wind speeds of 260 km/h. Over 25,000 tons of steel and 46,000 cubic meters of concrete were used. The structure incorporates 120 sensors for real-time structural monitoring. Technologies such as Tekla structural modeling software and Swiss-engineered bearings enhanced both safety and longevity.
Boosting Regional Connectivity and Trade
With the bridge now operational, rail travel from Katra to Srinagar is expected to take under three hours, significantly reducing travel time and cost. This connectivity is expected to increase the movement of goods like Kashmiri apples and handicrafts, helping local artisans and businesses access larger markets.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economies
The rail link is also expected to enhance tourism in Kashmir by making iconic destinations like Dal Lake and Gulmarg more accessible. Improved infrastructure is anticipated to support small businesses, hospitality sectors, and cultural tourism in the region.
Symbol of National Development
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bridge is considered a symbol of India’s infrastructure progress in remote and strategically sensitive regions. Its successful completion after more than two decades demonstrates the country’s capability to execute high-altitude engineering projects under challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The Chenab Rail Bridge stands as a milestone in India’s infrastructure development, promising year-round connectivity, economic upliftment, and enhanced national integration for the Kashmir Valley. Its engineering achievements also place it among the world’s most iconic bridges, setting a benchmark for future railway projects in high-risk terrains.