Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit J&K on June 6 to inaugurate two monumental feats of Indian engineering: the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge, India’s first of its kind. Alongside, he will flag off new Vande Bharat Express trains set to dramatically enhance travel efficiency in the region.
Chenab Rail Bridge: A Symbol of India’s Engineering Ascent
The Chenab Rail Bridge, soaring 359 metres above the riverbed—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower—is an awe-inspiring testament to Bharat’s technological prowess. Spanning 1,315 metres across the Chenab River between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, this steel-arch bridge will be the crowning jewel of the Rs 43,780 crore Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Propelling the vision of #ViksitBharat.
The Chenab Bridge is the world's highest railway arch bridge.
The bridge will give a boost to socio-economic development of the J&K region while improving its connectivity with other parts of #BemisaalBharat. pic.twitter.com/tCxnxrbR2A
— Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) June 4, 2025
This engineering marvel has been designed to withstand wind speeds up to 260 kmph, extreme Himalayan temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C, earthquakes, and hydrological shocks—making it one of the safest and most resilient rail structures globally. With a lifespan of 120 years and built using the most advanced structural detailing software (Tekla), the bridge also reflects precision and futuristic planning in infrastructure development.
Enhancing rail connectivity and travel, the New #VandeBharatExpress provides all-weather connectivity even in the harshest conditions to ensure seamless connectivity.#VandeBharat_On_Chenab #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/HCEqnLiDFa
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) June 5, 2025
The project, initially approved in 2003 and delayed for safety evaluations, finally came to life after comprehensive tests for stability in harsh climatic and geological conditions. From high-velocity winds to seismic tremors, the bridge has passed all major safety trials.
Transforming Connectivity in the Himalayas
The USBRL project, stretching 272 km through the Himalayan heartland, has stitched together 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, knitting valleys and ridges into a seamless rail corridor.
The Vande Bharat Express—which will now traverse this historic bridge—will slash the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just about three hours, saving nearly two to three hours from the current duration.
The Chenab Rail Bridge in India is the highest railway bridge in the world, standing at 359 metres above the riverbed, surpassing even the height of the Eiffel Tower. It is followed by other remarkable engineering feats such as the Najiehe Railway Bridge in China (310 metres), the Beipanjiang Railway Bridge also in China (275 metres), the Mala Rijeka Viaduct in Montenegro (198 metres), and the Fades Viaduct in France (132.5 metres).
The Chenab Rail Bridge is not just a domestic achievement—it places India prominently on the global map of engineering marvels. Just as the Eiffel Tower once symbolised France’s industrial age, the Chenab Bridge now represents India’s resolve and capability in overcoming formidable natural challenges through innovation.
For the people of J&K, this rail link is not just infrastructure—it will be a vital part of country’s expanding railway network, bringing seamless connectivity that is transforming the region’s social and economic landscape. By linking remote areas to the national grid, it opens up new opportunities for trade, tourism, employment, and integration with the rest of the country.
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