mangalore today
name
name
name
Saturday, June 07
namenamename

 

PM Modi unveils world’s highest railway bridge in J&K


Mangalore Today News Network

Jammu and Kashmir, June 6, 2025: PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab Bridge: In a move marking a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge in the Union Territory, the world’s highest railway arch structure.

Soon after the inauguration, the Prime Minister walked across the Bridge, holding and waving the Tricolour in a strong message to the nation in the wake of the terror attack in Kashmir weeks ago.


Chenab bridge

 

He also inaugurated Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. He was accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.



This was PM Modi’s first visit to the Union Territory after the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were shot dead in broad daylight. After the attack, India retaliated with Operation Sindoor on May 7.

The Chenab bridge is an engineering marvel constructed in the Reasi district. It is built 359 metres above the Chenab riverbed, making it the highest railway bridge in the world.

Why is The Chenab Bridge So Important?

1. Part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project

The Chenab Bridge establishes a connection between the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via the rail network. It is a key link in the 272-km USBRL project and was declared a “National Project" in 2002 because of its significance. The bridge specifically connects Bakkal and Kauri across the deep gorge of the Chenab River.


2. World’s Highest Railway Bridge

Chenab Bridge stands 359 metres (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, making it the world’s highest railway bridge. Interestingly, it is nearly 35 metres taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge stands as a testament to advanced engineering, particularly in its seismic resilience.


3. Engineering Marvel in Challenging Terrain

The construction of the Chenab Bridge was a monumental undertaking, battling extremely difficult conditions.

The bridge is built in a seismically active and geologically complex region of the Himalayas with unstable rock slopes, folds, faults, and a high risk of landslides.

It is designed to withstand high wind speeds (up to 266 km/h) and extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to +45°C.

Given the sensitive nature of the region, the bridge is made of blast-proof steel, designed in consultation with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), making it highly resilient to potential threats.

The main arch, made of steel, was erected using a sophisticated cable crane system, with segments being lifted and bolted together. The total length of the bridge is 1,315 metres, and it used approximately 28,660 tonnes of steel and 66,000 cubic metres of concrete.


4. Enhanced Connectivity and All-Weather Access

Historically, Kashmir’s connectivity to the rest of India has been reliant on treacherous roads, often cut off by snow, landslides, and adverse weather conditions. The Chenab Bridge, as part of the USBRL, provides all-weather, reliable transportation, eliminating the disruptions caused by harsh Himalayan winters.

It also significantly reduces travel time for both passengers and goods.

5. Strategic Importance

Beyond civilian benefits, the bridge holds immense strategic significance as it allows for faster movement of defence personnel and equipment to border areas, strengthening national security in a sensitive region, particularly after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent face-off between India and Pakistan.

The bridge is capable of handling heavy artillery transport.

It also symbolises a deeper message of uniting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, fostering greater national integration.


6. Boost to Socio-Economic Development

The rail link is expected to be a transformative engine for economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. For instance, easier and more reliable access will significantly boost tourism.

Farmers and traders can transport their produce (like apples and dry fruits) to wider markets more quickly, reducing costs and increasing profits.

The railway operations and maintenance will generate new jobs and opportunities for skill training for the local youth.

Improved connectivity means better access to education, healthcare, and essential supplies for the local population.


Write Comment | E-Mail To a Friend | Facebook | Twitter | Print
Error:NULL
Write your Comments on this Article
Your Name
Native Place / Place of Residence
Your E-mail
Your Comment
You have characters left.
Security Validation
Enter the characters in the image above