PM Modi inaugurates world’s highest rail bridge over Chenab river in J & K.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on June 6, 2025.

This monumental feat of engineering is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a ₹43,780 crore initiative aimed at providing seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.

Who built it?

• Executed by konkan Railway Corporation.
• Constructed by a JV of Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction (South Korea), and VSL India.

Key Features of the Chenab Bridge:

• Height: The bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters.
• Length: The steel arch bridge stretches 1,315 meters.
• Design: Engineered to withstand extreme wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and seismic activity, ensuring durability and safety.
• Construction: Built using over 30,000 metric tonnes of steel and advanced welding methods.
• Lifespan: Designed to last 120 years with corrosion-resistant materials and continuous health monitoring sensors.

Impact and Significance :

• Connectivity: The bridge enhances rail connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar, reducing travel time to just three hours.
• Economic Growth: Expected to boost tourism, logistics, and regional development in Jammu and Kashmir.
• National Integration: Symbolizes India's capability to overcome natural and geographical hurdles, promoting socio-economic integration.

Source: The Hindu