Inauguration of Chenab Rail Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering in Jammu and Kashmir

Chenab Rail Bridge Overview

Chenab Rail Bridge | The Chenab Rail Bridge is a remarkable railway structure located over the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this bridge, recognized as the highest single-arch railway bridge in the world. The term "single-arch bridge" typically refers to a bridge featuring a single, continuous arch supported by two abutments. The construction of this bridge has been a lengthy and costly endeavor, accompanied by a rich history. Let’s explore how skilled workers managed to build this bridge amidst the treacherous mountain paths.

Challenges Faced During Construction

To realize the dream of rail travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the project team behind the Chenab Bridge encountered numerous challenges, one of which was accessing the site surrounded by the Himalayan slopes. Initially, the team relied solely on horses and mules for transportation. According to the leading infrastructure company, Fcons Infrastructure Limited, one of the primary challenges was transporting equipment and construction materials to the bridge's location.

Innovative Solutions and Progress

A spokesperson from the company mentioned that initially, mules and horses were used to reach the site. Over time, temporary roads were constructed to facilitate access to the work area. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the prestigious Chenab Bridge, along with the Anji Rail Bridge and the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, and flagged off the Vande Bharat trains connecting Katra to Srinagar.

Engineering Triumph

The spokesperson further revealed that ultimately, an 11-kilometer road was built on the northern bank of the river, while a 12-kilometer road was constructed on the southern bank. Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice President of Fcons, stated that the Chenab Railway Bridge is not merely an engineering marvel. He emphasized that it symbolizes India's determination to triumph over its most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage. The company utilized the world's tallest crossbar cable crane and specialized heavy machinery for this ambitious project.

Prime Minister's Remarks

Highlights from a memorable visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Bridge are transformative projects! pic.twitter.com/rfTtxYvo98

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2025