PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab Bridge - World’s Highest Railway Bridge Over River Chenab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi iaugurates the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. (Image: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this record-breaking marvel is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.

A Monumental Feat of Engineering

Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River, the bridge towers higher than the Eiffel Tower and stretches a total length of 1,315 metres. With this, the Chenab Bridge not only redefines India’s railway infrastructure but also positions the nation prominently on the global map of engineering excellence.

Chenab Bridge (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Designed to endure harsh terrain and extreme weather, the bridge can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour and is built to last 120 years. With a project cost of Rs 1,486 crore, it is not just a bridge but a symbol of India's technical prowess.

Structural steel suitable for temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius has been used, ensuring resilience across seasonal extremes. The most sophisticated ‘Tekla’ software was used for structural detailing, enabling high precision in design and execution.

The bridge is part of the Katra–Sangaldan stretch, which will now connect New Delhi directly with Kashmir by train for the very first time. This is a momentous development, enhancing national integration and connectivity to a region that was previously isolated from the Indian railway network.

Chenab Bridge, World Highest Railway Arch Bridge

A Boost to Travel and Connectivity in Kashmir

With the launch of the Chenab Bridge, train travel between Katra and Srinagar will now take only 3 hours, reducing travel time by 2 to 3 hours. The newly operational route is expected to facilitate smoother movement of people and goods, and bolster tourism and trade in Jammu and Kashmir.

Symbol of Inclusive Development

The bridge is more than just a civil engineering triumph—it is a symbol of India’s inclusive development and strategic foresight. After years of meticulous planning, designing, and construction in challenging terrain, the Chenab Bridge now serves as a testament to India's capability to overcome natural and geographical hurdles.

It promises economic growth, regional development, and social integration, marking a historic milestone in India’s journey towards modern, resilient infrastructure.

Chenab Bridge (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Setting New Global Benchmarks

Built in a seismically active region, the bridge is engineered to withstand earthquakes, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. Over 30,000 metric tonnes of steel, advanced welding methods, and innovative design techniques were employed to ensure its durability and safety. Since its initial conception in 2004, the project took nearly two decades to complete.

This engineering wonder includes sophisticated monitoring systems to track structural health in real-time and stands as a beacon of India’s growing expertise in world-class infrastructure development.