Chenab Rail Bridge: World’s highest arch bridge enhances Kashmir connectivity

In a moment of national pride and technological achievement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in Jammu & Kashmir, India. The inauguration marks a historic leap in India’s railway infrastructure and reaffirms its strategic and developmental commitment to the Kashmir region.

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The Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel constructed over the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Designed to withstand high winds, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures, it connects the Katra–Banihal section of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

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Key Technical Details:

• Total Length: 1,315 meters (4,314 feet)
• Deck Height: 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, taller than the Eiffel Tower
• Structure Type: Steel-truss arch bridge with concrete foundations
• Recognition: Guinness World Records-certified as the world’s highest railway bridge
• Steel used: 29,000 metric tonnes

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At the grand ceremony, Prime Minister Modi, waving a large Indian flag, walked across the soaring bridge to formally inaugurate it. “This is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve,” he declared. “The Chenab Bridge is a symbol and celebration of rising India.” He further described the new railway line as an “extraordinary feat of architecture” that would transform connectivity in the region and enhance national integration.

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The Chenab Bridge will connect the valley region of Kashmir with the rest of the country by train for the very first time, marking a historic breakthrough in regional connectivity. This monumental infrastructure project not only symbolizes India's commitment to integrating Kashmir more closely but also promises to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.

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By providing reliable, year-round rail access, the bridge will significantly reduce travel time, boost trade, tourism, and ease the movement of goods and people. It also holds immense strategic importance, enabling faster deployment of essential services and defense personnel in this sensitive area. As the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge stands as a shining example of engineering prowess and a beacon of hope for lasting development and unity in Kashmir.

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The Chenab Bridge is a part of the 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line, which includes:

• 36 tunnels
• 943 bridges, including the Chenab span
• The first rail link connecting the India to Kashmir
• Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 43,780 crore ($5 billion)

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This railway line connects major regions including Udhampur, Katra, Banihal, Srinagar, and Baramulla, significantly improving access and reducing travel time in Kashmir. What used to take over 6 hours by road from Katra to Srinagar will now take approximately 3 hours by train, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.

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