Chenab rail bridge: Cost breakdown of the world's tallest rail bridge

Exciting news from Kashmir! The Chenab Rail Bridge in the Reasi district is set to welcome train services soon. Towering 359 meters above the Chenab River, it holds the distinction of being the world's highest rail bridge. This engineering marvel showcases human ingenuity, overcoming formidable geographical challenges to become a landmark of modern infrastructure and connectivity.

The Northern Railway has announced that trains will soon run across this extraordinary bridge, connecting Ramban to Reasi. Currently, trains operate along the Kanyakumari to Katra route, extending from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley.

Indian Railways recently conducted a successful trial of an electric engine from Sangaldan to Reasi, traversing the world¡¯s highest steel arch rail bridge, the Chenab Bridge. Here's everything you need to know about this remarkable feat of engineering.

Chenab Railway Bridge | Indian Railways

Here are 9 key facts about the Chenab Bridge:

Height: The Chenab Bridge holds the title of the world's tallest railway bridge, towering approximately 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River.

Length: Spanning 1.3 kilometers, the bridge forms a crucial part of the 111-kilometer stretch from Katra to Banihal, integral to the Rs 21,653-crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project.

Location: Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Cost: Constructed at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore according to Northern Railway officials.

Construction: Initial construction began in 2002 as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project. The arch was completed in 2021, with overall bridge construction finishing in August 2022.

Engineering Marvel: Designed to endure extreme conditions including wind speeds up to 266 km per hour, earthquakes, and harsh weather prevalent in the region.

Arch Design: Notable for its arch-shaped design, the bridge's main arch span measures 460 meters and is curvilinear. The arch is constructed from steel, a key structural feature of the bridge.

Other Features: The bridge comprises 17 spans and has a codal life of 120 years. It is capable of withstanding wind speeds up to 266 kmph, while trains can traverse it at speeds of up to 100 kmph.

Future Use: Once operational, the bridge will facilitate the passage of high-speed Vande Bharat Metro trains between Jammu and Srinagar.

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