PM Modi to Unveil Chenab Bridge: All You Need to Know About The World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the world’s highest railway arch bridge—the Chenab Bridge—on June 6, 2025. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, this engineering marvel not only marks a historic milestone in India’s railway infrastructure but also paves the way for enhanced rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, making it a must-see destination for engineering enthusiasts and adventure travellers alike. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Chenab Bridge: A World Record Holder in the Himalayas
Perched 359 metres above the Chenab River, this breathtaking structure surpasses even the height of the Eiffel Tower. With a total length of 1,315 metres, the steel arch bridge has already earned global acclaim for being the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan valleys—ideal for travel photography and sightseeing. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

An Engineering Wonder in Rugged Terrain
Designed to endure extreme weather conditions, the Chenab Bridge has been constructed using state-of-the-art technology to withstand earthquakes and wind speeds of up to 260 km/h. This makes it not just an infrastructure achievement but a fascinating destination for those interested in engineering tourism and structural innovation in extreme environments. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Rail Travel in Jammu and Kashmir Just Got Shorter
The Chenab Bridge is a key link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. With the introduction of Vande Bharat trains on this route, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will be cut to just about three hours, making rail travel in Kashmir faster, smoother, and more scenic than ever before. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Building the Chenab Bridge: 22 Years in the Making
Originally approved in 2003 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chenab Bridge has taken over two decades to complete. Constructed with 28,000 tonnes of steel, 93 deck segments, and over six lakh bolts, this Rs 1,486 crore project stands as a symbol of national integration, perseverance, and visionary infrastructure planning. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Strength Meets Precision
This colossal structure has a main arch spanning 467 metres and deck segments weighing 85 tonnes each. Advanced software like ‘Tekla’ was used for structural detailing, and materials were chosen to withstand temperatures from -10°C to 40°C, ensuring all-weather functionality. Its 120-year lifespan makes it a true long-term investment in India’s transportation future. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Boosting Tourism in Kashmir
Beyond utility, the Chenab Bridge is set to become a major tourist attraction. From panoramic train rides to photo ops on scenic overlooks, the bridge offers a unique travel experience. Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to surge as domestic and international travellers flock to witness this one-of-a-kind structure. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Anji Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge Also Inaugurated
Along with the Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge—will also be inaugurated. Spanning another vital segment of the Jammu-Srinagar corridor, it complements the Chenab Bridge’s functionality and adds yet another architectural marvel to the travel itinerary of anyone visiting North India. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)

Vande Bharat Between Katra and Srinagar
Adding to the travel convenience, new Vande Bharat Express trains will run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, dramatically improving rail mobility for pilgrims, tourists, and locals. These modern trains are known for their comfort, speed, and energy efficiency, making rail travel in India more appealing than ever. (Representative Image)

USBRL Project: Seamless All-Weather Connectivity
Among the other projects to be launched is the 272-km udhampur-srinagar-baramulla rail link (USBRL) project, with a budget of over Rs 43,780 crore, spans 272 kilometres and includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. Once fully operational, it will ensure seamless all-weather rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. It’s not just a project; it’s a transformative leap toward sustainable transport, tourism growth, and regional development. (File Image: X/@RailMinIndia)