The Chenab Rail Bridge is a symbol of engineering brilliance and national integration. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, it now holds the record as the world's highest railway bridge. Towering 359 metres above the riverbed, this iconic structure stands taller than the Eiffel Tower and forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). Its completion marks a turning point in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail for the first time in history.
Chenab Rail Bridge, Wiki
After decades of planning, technical challenges, and strategic prioritisation, the bridge was inaugurated for operational use on 6 June 2025. This milestone showcases not just India's engineering prowess but also its commitment to equitable regional development and stronger national integration.
The idea of connecting Kashmir to the Indian railway network dates back to the 19th century. However, due to difficult terrain, technical limitations, and political instability, the vision remained unrealised for over a century. It was only in the early 2000s that the Indian Railways committed to the USBRL project with renewed momentum.
The Chenab Bridge, being the most challenging segment of this railway link, was critical to ensuring all-weather, uninterrupted access to Kashmir. The structure had to be durable, resilient, and strategically sound to support both civilian and defence logistics.
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The Chenab Rail Bridge journey spanned over two decades from conceptualisation to commissioning. Below is a quick timeline of major milestones:
Chenab Rail Bridge, Mint
Year |
Milestone Description |
2003 |
USBRL project approved by Indian Railways |
2008 |
Initial groundwork began, followed by halts due to design challenges |
2010 |
Redesigned plans cleared and construction resumed |
2017 |
Foundation and arch construction accelerated |
2021 |
Arch closure successfully achieved |
2022 |
Superstructure and deck completed |
2023 |
Trial track laying and inspections initiated |
June 2025 |
Official inauguration and commencement of rail services |
The Chenab Rail Bridge is a steel and concrete arch bridge with state-of-the-art design features. Its total length is 1315 metres, and the main arch span measures 467 metres. The bridge was built using deck-arch construction, combining aesthetics with functionality.
Key design attributes include:
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Building the Chenab Rail Bridge involved overcoming unprecedented challenges. The terrain was remote, mountainous, and geologically unstable. The site lacked proper access roads, and construction could only proceed using rope cranes and helicopters for material movement.
Innovations that helped accomplish the build include:
Despite snow, rain, and wind disruptions, the project maintained strict safety and quality standards throughout.
The Chenab Rail Bridge is built to endure some of the most extreme natural forces in the region. Key safety and durability features include:
These features ensure the bridge's usability for decades under high-stress environmental and security conditions.
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The completion of the Chenab Bridge is a strategic game-changer for India. It not only brings Kashmir closer to the Indian heartland but also boosts regional development and national defence logistics.
On 6 June 2025, the Chenab Rail Bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a nationally televised event. The ceremony also marked the operational launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, which is now equipped with winterised features such as heated windshields and insulation.
Chenab Rail Bridge Inauguration by PM Narendra Modi, Moneycontrol
The bridge, along with the Anji Khad Cable-Stayed Bridge, forms the crown jewel of the USBRL. The event was attended by senior officials from Indian Railways, Konkan Railway Corporation, and the Ministry of Defence.
The Chenab Bridge is one part of the larger USBRL project, a 272 km electrified railway corridor. The route includes:
Together, these infrastructure elements will revolutionise rail travel and logistics in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
With the launch of rail services through the Chenab Bridge, the local economy is expected to benefit in multiple ways:
The Chenab Rail Bridge is just the beginning. Going forward, the region will see:
The Chenab Rail Bridge is more than just a structural wonder, it is a statement of India's engineering capabilities, political will, and developmental aspirations. Connecting Kashmir to the national railway network through such a feat of engineering sends a powerful message of inclusion and unity. It not only uplifts the region economically but also strengthens national integration and security. As the bridge becomes operational, it heralds a new era of progress for Jammu and Kashmir.