PM Modi Inaugurates World's Tallest Railway Arch Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, recognized as the tallest railway arch bridge globally. This bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, a significant 272-kilometer project aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The rail link features several tunnels, showcasing remarkable engineering. Standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, this bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower and stretches 1,315 meters in total length. The Chenab Bridge not only redefines India's railway infrastructure but also enhances the country's prominence on the global engineering map.

Costing ₹114,000 Crores

The Chenab Bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which officially commenced with the launch of two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra to Srinagar. This development marks the beginning of all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. Located between Bakal and Kouri in the Reasi district, this arch bridge serves as a vital link between Katra and Banihal. Built at a cost of ₹114,000 crores, the bridge stands 359 meters (approximately 1,178 feet) high, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is designed to withstand winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour and is expected to last for around 120 years. The bridge includes a 20.15-kilometer approach road and is earthquake-resistant. Notably, Indian Railways has implemented extensive security measures to mitigate the potential impact of bomb blasts on the bridge, featuring a 780-meter-long blast protection platform, a first in India's rail sector, which will absorb the effects of explosions during train operations.

Connecting 70 Villages

The inauguration of the world's tallest Chenab Railway Bridge by Prime Minister Modi is a significant milestone in the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, which will reduce the time for the Indian Army to reach the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China by five times. Currently, it takes 16 hours to transport troops and supplies between the borders by train, but this will be reduced to just 3 hours with the new bridge. This infrastructure will be invaluable for rapid troop deployment in case of conflict. An approach road of 215 kilometers has been constructed, establishing road connectivity to 70 villages considered crucial for the Indian Army's surveillance.

Seamless Transport of Industrial and Agricultural Products

The Chenab Bridge, constructed with 29,000 tons of steel and 67,000 cubic meters of concrete, will enable 24-hour access to some of the most remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, often deemed difficult due to heavy snowfall. Following the bridge's inauguration, the Kashmir Valley will be integrated into the national rail network, facilitating the uninterrupted transport of military, industrial, and agricultural goods.

Safety Features Against Terrorism

Located 60 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) adjacent to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the bridge has been designed to be blast-proof due to potential threats from terrorists. Developed with technical assistance from the DRDO, this bridge can withstand a TNT explosion equivalent to 40 tons. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the 1.3-kilometer-long Chenab Bridge is 359 meters above the riverbed, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters, and is crucial for the 111-kilometer route from Katra to Banihal.