Chinab Bridge: India is set to make history with the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world¡¯s highest railway bridge, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6th June 2025. Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this bridge is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) and will officially connect Kashmir to the rest of India via rail for the first time ever.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge on June 6. Sharing the news on social media, Dr Singh wrote, "History in the making... Just 3 days to go! The mighty Chenab Bridge, the world¡¯s highest railway bridge, stands tall in Jammu and Kashmir... A proud symbol of New India's strength and vision."
This inauguration marks a proud moment for India and is seen as a major leap in the nation¡¯s rail infrastructure.
The Chenab Railway Bridge is not just any bridge ¡ª it¡¯s an architectural masterpiece. Standing at a height of 359 metres (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, it is even 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This makes it officially the tallest railway bridge in the world.
The Chenab Bridge stretches 1,315 metres in length and has been specially designed to withstand tough environmental conditions like earthquakes, high-speed winds of up to 260 kmph, and extreme temperatures. Built using strong steel arch structures, it can last up to 120 years.
Once operational, the Chenab Bridge will play a big role in reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar. Currently, it takes around 6 to 7 hours by road, but with the Vande Bharat train running on this route via the Chenab Bridge, the journey will be cut down to just 3 hours. This is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the Kashmir Valley.
The Chenab Bridge is part of the Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through a safe and all-weather railway network.
This project, first approved in 2003, faced several delays due to concerns about safety and feasibility. However, by 2008, the contract was awarded, and years of hard work, planning, and testing began.
Given the mountainous terrain and seismic risks in the area, several tests were carried out before the bridge¡¯s final completion. These included:
To achieve this engineering feat, two massive cable cranes were used to construct the steel arch¡ªone installed on each side of the river at Kauri and Bakkal.
The Chenab Bridge is more than just a railway link¡ªit¡¯s a symbol of modern India¡¯s engineering excellence, innovation, and determination. It showcases India¡¯s capability to complete world-class infrastructure even in the toughest terrains.
With its grand inauguration by PM Modi, the world¡¯s highest railway bridge will soon become a proud landmark in Kashmir, attracting not only passengers but also tourists and engineering enthusiasts from around the globe.
From easing travel in Jammu and Kashmir to standing tall as a global record-holder, the Chenab Bridge is a massive step forward for India¡¯s railway sector. Its official inauguration by PM Modi will mark a historic day in India's infrastructure journey.
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