Chenab Rail Bridge: World's Tallest Arch Now Connecting Kashmir by Rail

The Indian government has accomplished a historic engineering milestone with the successful completion and inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's tallest railway bridge, located in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. With a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, this iconic structure towers even above the Eiffel Tower, setting a global benchmark in infrastructure development and mountain railway construction.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): Bridging the Gap

Part of the ₹43,780 crore USBRL Project, the Chenab Bridge plays a crucial role in completing the 272 km railway corridor between Udhampur and Baramulla. The USBRL project was envisioned to provide all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, a goal now achieved with this engineering feat. The project also features 36 tunnels, 119 km of tunneling work, and 943 bridges across tough Himalayan terrain.

Architectural and Engineering Marvel

The Chenab Rail Bridge spans 1.3 kilometers and features a main steel arch of 467 meters. Over 28,000 tonnes of steel were used in its construction. The bridge is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 266 km/h, high-magnitude earthquakes, and even possible blasts—making it not just the tallest but one of the most resilient railway bridges ever built.

The construction included advanced cable cranes, high-altitude welding, and GPS-based monitoring systems to ensure precision and safety during execution. The bridge also uses corrosion-resistant steel to ensure longevity under extreme environmental conditions.

Historical Vision Turned Reality

The idea of connecting Kashmir to the Indian railway network dates back to 1892 during the British Raj. Over a century later, that vision has now become reality. The project reflects India's commitment to integrating the remote valley with the rest of the country through world-class infrastructure.

Anji Khad Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge

Complementing the Chenab Bridge is the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, located between Katra and Reasi. This bridge stretches 473.25 meters with a single pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed. Supported by 48 steel cables, it is built to withstand high winds and seismic activity typical of the Himalayan region.

The Anji Khad Bridge showcases India’s rapid advances in bridge engineering and is equipped with real-time health monitoring systems for structural integrity. The completion of both bridges was marked by successful trial runs using electric engines.

Launch of Vande Bharat Express: Connecting Katra to Srinagar

To further enhance regional mobility, a Vande Bharat Express train has been launched on the Katra–Srinagar route. This train is specially designed for extreme weather conditions and features thermal insulation, heated windshields, and skid-resistant braking. It reflects Indian Railways' growing emphasis on providing premium high-speed rail services even in challenging geographies.

Socio-Economic Impact on Jammu & Kashmir

These projects are more than engineering marvels—they are lifelines that promise to revolutionize the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved connectivity is expected to:

Boost tourism in regions like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg
Enhance trade and transport of goods from the Kashmir valley
Make daily commuting smoother for locals
Improve military logistics and national security infrastructure
Enable access to healthcare, education, and employment for remote populations

The new railway connectivity will also integrate Kashmir with India's digital, economic, and social framework, creating new opportunities for youth and local businesses.

A Symbol of New India’s Engineering Excellence

The successful completion of the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges sends a strong message about India’s engineering prowess and its capability to execute large-scale, high-altitude infrastructure projects. These bridges now stand as symbols of national unity, resilience, and vision—epitomizing the "New India" that is bold, self-reliant, and future-ready.

Final Words: Kashmir Now on the Rails of Progress

With the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge, India has not just connected a region—it has connected hearts. Kashmir, once isolated due to its geography, is now part of the high-speed railway revolution. These projects bring India one step closer to truly inclusive national integration, and they mark a transformative era in Himalayan infrastructure.