Chenab Bridge Inaugurated: How World's Highest Railway Bridge Will Boost Connectivity To J&K

Remember those fantastic pictures of the roller-coaster-like bridge in Jammu that everyone talked about a few years ago? Well, guess what? It's finally finished and open for business!

Along with several key projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially unveiled the much-anticipated Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, which has garnered global attention for its roller-coaster-like design.

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The bridge, touted as the world's highest single-arch railway bridge, stands taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its inauguration signifies the culmination of a monumental engineering endeavour, hailed as one of India's most significant railway projects recently.

Initially approved in 2003 and contracted in 2008, the Chenab Bridge faced considerable scrutiny regarding its safety and stability. However, after rigorous testing and meticulous construction efforts, the bridge has cleared all necessary assessments and is poised to leave an indelible mark on India's railroad history.

This achievement underscores India's prowess in civil engineering and stands as a testament to the nation's dedication to monumental infrastructure projects.

Chenab Bridge holds key importance for J&K

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge marks a significant milestone after more than two decades of anticipation since the project received approval in 2003.

Addressing the region's long-standing connectivity challenges, the bridge is one of several upcoming projects poised to ease commuting and transporting goods. Indian Railways emphasizes the dual benefits of improved military logistics and enhanced tourism opportunities resulting from the railway line's introduction to this strategically vital area.

Retired Major General SP Sinha, speaking to Foreign Policy, underscores the bridge's "great strategic significance" for troop mobility, particularly during harsh winters. Sinha highlights the critical role of all-weather connectivity in countering cross-border threats, emphasizing its implications for national security and defence preparedness.

The bridge's impact extends beyond military considerations, with reports indicating imminent development in surrounding areas previously lacking basic infrastructure. With the construction of a long approach road, previously inaccessible villages are now reachable by land, offering newfound opportunities for economic growth and social development.

Once integrated into the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Chenab bridge will facilitate the operation of the Vande Bharat Metro train between Jammu and Srinagar as part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. This initiative aims to foster greater connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, bolstering industrial and agricultural sectors by enabling the transportation of local produce nationwide.

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The bridge's inauguration is expected to revolutionize transportation in Jammu and Kashmir, providing round-the-clock access and transforming the region's economic landscape. Anil Kumar Mehendru, vice president of the New Kashmir Fruit Association, highlights the anticipated benefits for the agriculture sector and expresses optimism about the industry's growth potential.

While recognizing the economic opportunities the railway project brings, concerns about its ecological impact persist. Rajinder Kumar, an assistant professor, in a conversation with Foreign Policy, underscores the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation in the region.

The Chenab Bridge's completion is also poised to impact the tourism industry significantly, attracting visitors eager to witness the world's highest railway bridge.

Overall, the Chenab Bridge represents a transformative infrastructure project, promising to reshape Jammu and Kashmir's economic, social, and strategic landscape while opening new horizons for development and growth.

Features of the Chenab Bridge, surpassing Eiffel Tower

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The Chenab Bridge, spanning between Bakkal and Kauri in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, stands at a towering height of 1,178 feet, surpassing even the iconic Eiffel Tower.

This bridge, a vital component of the Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project, aims to improve connectivity in the region. Constructed at approximately Rs 14,000 crore cost, it is a key initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program. Rigorous testing ensures its safety against various environmental challenges, with an expected lifespan of 120 years.

Equipped with earthquake-resistant features and a lengthy approach road, the bridge symbolizes engineering excellence. After a two-decade-long wait, its completion marks a significant milestone for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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