India is set to get the world’s tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, in Jammu & Kashmir, following over forty years of dedicated efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the bridge on Friday, June 6. As a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), the Chenab Bridge showcases India’s advancements in engineering and infrastructure. Constructed in the challenging Himalayan terrain, it aims to enhance connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India, providing a direct rail link to New Delhi.
The 272-km USBRL’s final sections have gradually opened since 2009, starting with the Qazigund-Baramulla stretch, followed by segments completed in 2013, 2014, and a recent section in February 2024. The remaining 63 kilometers, from Katra to Sangaldan, are scheduled for inauguration alongside the Chenab Bridge.
Chenab Bridge Is Built At A Cost Of INR 1,400 Crore
Chenab Bridge, which cost around INR 1,400 crore, stands at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. Spanning 1,315 meters overall, it includes a 530-meter approach bridge and a 785-meter main deck bridge.
The design and construction were handled by a partnership between Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering (South Korea), and VSL India. The WSP Group from Finland and the German firm Leonhardt Andra and Partners worked on various aspects of the bridge’s design. At the same time, Indian institutions like the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and IIT Delhi contributed to foundational and seismic studies, ensuring the bridge’s safety and stability, including blast-proofing by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
PM Modi To Also Inaugurate Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to launch the first Vande Bharat train service to Kashmir on June 6. This new train route from Katra to Srinagar will cut the travel time to just three hours, compared to the current six to seven hours by road. With the connection from Sangaldan to Katra now established, trains will operate across the entire stretch.
The Kashmir Vande Bharat train is specially designed with features that cater to extreme winter conditions, including advanced heating systems. Although the project began in 1997, it faced delays due to difficult terrain. The inauguration will be a significant event for Jammu and Kashmir, promoting tourism and trade. The train will also showcase stunning views, passing over the world’s highest rail bridge on the Chenab River.
