Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates World's Tallest Railway Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir
Modi's Visit to Jammu and Kashmir
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first visit to the region following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During his trip, he inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, recognized as the tallest railway bridge globally, which is a significant milestone in the Udhampur-Banihal railway project. This development is expected to greatly enhance connectivity in the area. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Prime Minister Modi also engaged with the team behind the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. Images from the Chenab Bridge show the Prime Minister proudly holding the national flag.
Inspection of the Chenab Bridge
Prior to the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi inspected the Chenab Rail Bridge, an architectural marvel and the highest railway arch bridge in the world, stretching 1,315 meters. This bridge exemplifies cutting-edge engineering, designed to withstand significant seismic activity and wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, which are crucial given its location in a high-risk seismic zone. For the first time in Indian Railways, the bridge has been constructed using blast-resistant steel and concrete, highlighting its strategic importance and robust safety features.
Significance of the Chenab Bridge
Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at improving connectivity in the region. On this momentous occasion, we take a closer look at how the Chenab Bridge stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, designed to endure earthquakes and massive blasts equivalent to 40 kilograms of TNT.
Engineering Marvel
The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the tallest railway bridge in the world, was designed by WSP Finland in collaboration with the German firm Leonhardt, Andra und Partner, which crafted the bridge's arches, while Vienna Consulting Engineers assisted with the design of the pillars. Once the design was finalized, the staff and engineers of Konkan Railway Corporation brought the plans to fruition, a task that was far from simple. This 1,315-meter-long bridge spans the Chenab River in the Kauri area of the Reasi district.
Construction Details
What makes this bridge truly astonishing is its height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, making it the tallest railway bridge in the world. For perspective, this height is approximately 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The construction involved 28,660 metric tons of steel, 1 million cubic meters of earthworks, 66,000 meters of concrete, and 26 kilometers of motorable roads. According to those involved in the construction, the total weight of the arch is 10,619 metric tons.