SRINAGAR, June 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic moment in Indian infrastructure development. The Chenab Bridge, perched 359 metres above the riverbed — 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower — is a testament to India’s engineering prowess and perseverance.
Constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore over a period spanning more than eight years, the steel arch bridge is a key link in the 111-km-long Katra-Banihal railway stretch. The Prime Minister arrived at the site in a rail engine coach and walked across the towering bridge, proudly holding the national flag. He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and J\&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“This bridge is not just a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of India’s resolve to bring development to every corner of the country,” Modi said during the ceremony.
The 1,315-metre-long Chenab Bridge was approved in 2002, but construction began in earnest only in 2017. Prior to this, a 26-kilometre approach road and a 400-metre-long tunnel were constructed to access the remote site.
One of the most critical aspects of construction was the joining of the 467-metre-long steel arch, a process that demanded extreme precision to align both ends perfectly. The arch closure was completed in April 2021, while the “Golden Joint” — where the deck from both sides was connected — was accomplished on August 13, 2022.
The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes, high winds, and extreme temperatures, making it one of the most resilient railway structures in the world.
Following the Chenab Bridge inauguration, the Prime Minister also launched operations of India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge over the Anji River — a tributary of the Chenab. Originally envisioned as an arch bridge, the plan was altered in 2016 due to the region’s fragile geology, marked by active faults and seismic vulnerability.
The 725-metre-long asymmetrical cable-stayed Anji Bridge features a deck supported by 96 cables ranging from 82 to 295 metres. With a width of 15 metres, the structure includes an ancillary viaduct, an approach bridge, and a central embankment.
Officials stated the Anji Bridge is designed to endure heavy storms, strong winds, and even potential blasts, underscoring its strategic and structural significance.
Together, the Chenab and Anji bridges form crucial segments of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a mega project aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley with the Indian rail network. Once completed, this corridor will enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and serve as a vital logistical link for the region.
