Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge. The World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge

In a historic moment that coincided with the Eid-ul-Adha festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge — the world’s highest railway arch bridge. This engineering marvel marks a milestone in India’s infrastructure journey, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country in an unprecedented way.

Here’s what makes the Chenab Railway Bridge truly remarkable:

• Soaring Above the Rest:Towering an astonishing 359 metres above the Chenab River, the bridge even surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower.
• Bridging Connections:The bridge is part of the broader Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which also includes India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji — a vital link for the Kashmir Valley.
• Closing the Gap: Previously, trains operated only between Sangaldan and Baramulla within the Kashmir Valley, with Katra serving as the connecting point to the rest of India.
• Impressive Span:Stretching an incredible 1,315 metres, the Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a testament to ambitious engineering.
• Engineering Feat:Built at an approximate cost of ₹43,780 crore, the USBRL project showcases India’s growing expertise in infrastructure development.
• Security First:The bridge is constructed with blast-resistant steel and concrete — a first in India — ensuring robust security.
• Seismic Resilience: Located in a high-risk seismic zone, the bridge can withstand significant earthquakes and wind speeds of up to 266 km/h.
• Long-Standing Vision: The idea of connecting Kashmir by rail was first proposed in the 1970s during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure.
• Green Light: The project received official approval in 1994 under then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
• Construction Milestone: Work officially began in 2002, with funding for land acquisition approved by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government.

Designed with cutting-edge technology and built to last, the Chenab Railway Bridge fulfills a promise made decades ago, ending a wait of over 70 years for direct train service to Kashmir.

To complement this landmark moment, PM Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains today. These high-speed trains will connect Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra with Srinagar, ensuring fast, comfortable, and reliable travel. The first passenger train will depart from Delhi, passing through Katra, before arriving in Srinagar — bringing the Kashmir Valley closer than ever to the rest of the country.