Soon, train services to begin on 'world's highest rail bridge' Chenab

Chenab rail bridge, world's highest railway bridge, over the Chenab river in J&K's Reasi district. (Courtesy: PTI)

Train service from Ramban to Reasi in Jammu & Kashmir, which will commence soon, is set to historic as it will pass over the world's highest railway bridge built on the Chenab river.

The Chenab rail bridge is around 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. It has been constructed 359 metres (around 109 feet) above the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir region.

Railway officials recently conducted an extensive inspection of the newly constructed railway line and stations between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi.

The Northern Railway confirmed on June 15 that train services will begin on the world's highest railway bridge soon but did not give the exact date. The Chenab bridge is part of Indian railways' Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.

The project, including the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024.

"This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon," Reasi deputy commissioner Vishesh Mahajan told news agency ANI.

Sujay Kumar, deputy chief engineer at Konkan Railways,  said that the project was very challenging.

"People being affected by this project are all very happy. We hope everything will be completed soon," he said.

Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases saw the inauguration of the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km long Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014.

Currently, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley.