Railway to the sky: World’s tallest bridge now stands in India
In a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major infrastructure milestones in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, were unveiled, marking a significant step towards integrating the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
The Chenab Railway Bridge, standing at a staggering height of 359 metres above the riverbed, now holds the title of the tallest railway bridge in the world, surpassing even the iconic Eiffel Tower. Located in the mountainous Reasi district, the bridge connects the Katra-Sangaldan section, bridging a crucial gap in the rail link between New Delhi and the Kashmir Valley.
The completion of the Chenab Bridge signifies a historic moment as the Valley is now officially linked to the national railway grid. Despite facing years of delays due to challenging terrain and technical complexities, the bridge was constructed with a strong focus on safety and durability, showcasing India’s growing infrastructure prowess.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi walked across the Chenab Bridge deck while proudly carrying the national flag. He also took the time to interact with the workers who contributed to the USBRL project and met with key leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The USBRL project, spanning 272 km and constructed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, consists of 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. This project is expected to provide all-weather, high-speed connectivity to the region, which will boost tourism, trade, and mobility while strengthening national unity.
In addition to the inauguration of the bridges, Prime Minister Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These modern trains are set to significantly reduce travel time and enhance passenger comfort, further improving connectivity in the region.
The Chenab and Anji bridges serve as more than just engineering marvels; they are integral parts of a larger vision to bring about economic transformation and national integration to Jammu and Kashmir. This infrastructure development is a testament to India’s commitment to progress and connectivity in the region.
