PM Modi to Inaugurate Chenab Bridge, World’s Tallest Railway Arch, on June 6

June 3, 2025 MTIMES 74 Views Chenab Bridge, Connectivity, economic growth, Engineering Marvel, Indian Railways, Infrastructure Development, Jammu and Kashmir, modi government, New India, pm modi, Railway Projects, Seismic Safety, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, USBRL, World's Highest Railway Bridge 2 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, on June 6, 2025, marking a transformative milestone in India’s railway history. The announcement was made by Union Minister for the Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who called the occasion “history in the making.”

Engineering Marvel in Jammu and Kashmir

The bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) and is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, it surpasses the Eiffel Tower in height, making it the tallest railway arch bridge in the world.

Connecting Kashmir to the Indian Rail Network

Once operational, the Chenab Bridge will establish the first-ever direct rail connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, linking it with New Delhi via Katra. This development is expected to significantly improve connectivity, promote economic growth, and foster social integration in the region.

Overcoming Unprecedented Challenges

The USBRL project, stretching over 272 kilometers, includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and around 1,000 bridges. Building this infrastructure in a seismically sensitive and geographically complex region posed immense technical and logistical challenges. A senior railway official emphasized the scale of achievement, noting that 30,000 metric tons of steel were used and that the largest foundation of the bridge is nearly one-third the size of a football field.

Designed for Safety and Sustainability

The bridge has been engineered to endure wind speeds of over 250 km/h and the seismic conditions of a fault zone. The railway is also equipped with live surveillance systems, electric engines, and solid metal OHE stanchions for efficient power supply—showcasing cutting-edge design and safety standards.

Empowering Remote Communities

Beyond its engineering brilliance, the project has had a significant social impact. Nearly 200 kilometers of new roads were built to support construction activities, which now serve as lifelines for remote villages. Many communities that once had to walk over 20 kilometers to reach a road now have direct access, improving livelihoods and regional mobility.