PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Tallest Railway Bridge in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the world’s tallest railway bridge constructed over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic milestone in India’s rail infrastructure development. The bridge, which is a part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, stands at a remarkable height of 359 metres above the riverbed — 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Describing it as a “symbol of New India’s engineering and infrastructural prowess,” the Prime Minister emphasized its importance in bridging distances, not just geographically but emotionally as well. “This bridge is an example of the resolutions of new India. It is a bridge of emotions. It is a bridge of new energy. It is a bridge of new aspirations,” he said.
Chenab Rail Bridge: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
The Chenab Rail Bridge, built using over 28,000 metric tonnes of steel, stretches across a span of 1.3 kilometres. Designed to withstand high seismic activity and wind speeds up to 260 kmph, the structure has been hailed as an engineering wonder, especially given the treacherous Himalayan terrain where it is situated. Its arch-shaped design not only adds structural integrity but also enhances its visual appeal, making it a potential tourist attraction.
The bridge connects Bakkal and Kauri villages in the Reasi district and is a vital component of the USBRL project that aims to bring the Kashmir Valley closer to the rest of India via rail.
Jammu Kashmir Railway Connectivity Gets a Boost
With the inauguration of this bridge, the long-pending dream of seamless railway connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir inches closer to reality. Once the entire rail link is completed, it will significantly cut travel time between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, while also providing a major boost to economic activity and tourism.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi added, “With the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi and Baba Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir will now be directly connected to Kanyakumari through rail.”
The USBRL project, sanctioned in 2002, has been plagued by delays due to the region’s challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions, and geopolitical sensitivities. However, with the completion of the Chenab Bridge, a major hurdle has been crossed.
Highest Railway Bridge to Power Regional Development
Beyond its symbolic and engineering value, the bridge is expected to play a transformative role in the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Enhanced connectivity will facilitate better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the region’s residents. It is also likely to attract private investment and encourage the development of hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Indian Railways sees the bridge not only as an engineering achievement but also as a promise of integration and progress. The Chenab Bridge now stands as a shining beacon of India’s commitment to develop the region both strategically and socially.
