On 6th June 2025, India celebrated a major milestone with the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Soaring at an extraordinary 359 metres above the Chenab River, this bridge now holds the title of the world’s highest railway arch. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, it forms a crucial link in the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project, designed to bring the Kashmir Valley into the fold of India’s rail network.
Where Is the Chenab Rail Bridge Located?
The Chenab Bridge is located between Bakkal and Kauri in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. It spans a deep gorge over the Chenab River and is part of the 272 km long USBRL project, which aims to connect Udhampur to Baramulla, ensuring uninterrupted rail access to the Kashmir Valley.
When Was the Plan Proposed?
Though the USBRL project was announced in 2002, the bridge’s planning and design phase took shape in 2004, with full-scale construction gaining momentum after approval in 2008. The difficult Himalayan terrain, security concerns, and seismic challenges caused significant delays. However, the government remained committed, with continuous investments and revised plans to ensure safety and success.
Which Government Passed the Plan?
The project was initially approved during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government and carried forward with consistent support from successive administrations. It was finally completed and inaugurated by PM Modi in 2025, after over a decade of engineering trials and execution.
Who Led the Planning and Construction?
The bridge was managed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) on behalf of Indian Railways, while construction was executed by:
- Afcons Infrastructure
- VSL India
- Ultra Construction & Engineering (South Korea)
Technical Partners:
- Steel Authority of India supplied over 28,660 metric tonnes of steel.
- Swiss firm Mageba provided specialised structural bearings.
- DRDO ensured blast resistance.
- Top institutes like IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, and IIT Roorkee handled seismic, structural, and slope analyses.
Advanced 3D modelling using Tekla software supported accurate design in the challenging terrain.
Why Is the Chenab Bridge Important?
1. World Record Achievement
At 359 metres deck height, it surpasses the Eiffel Tower by over 35 metres, making it the tallest railway bridge in the world.
2. Strategic Railway Connector
It ensures all-weather connectivity to Kashmir, overcoming the regular blockages and disruptions on the Jammu–Srinagar highway.
3. Defence Logistics
The bridge strengthens India’s capability to move troops and equipment to sensitive border regions, especially near the Line of Control (LoC).
4. Economic Integration
It will promote tourism, trade, and regional development in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing isolated areas into the mainstream economy.
Places Chenab Bridge Links?
The Chenab Bridge forms a link between:
- Katra, near the religious site of Vaishno Devi
- Banihal, which leads into the Kashmir Valley
Eventually, the line continues to Baramulla, in North Kashmir, completing the USBRL corridor.
Strategic and Geopolitical Significance
The bridge carries heavy geopolitical symbolism:
- Reinforces India’s presence and sovereignty in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Shows India’s capability to develop infrastructure even in the toughest terrains.
- Strengthens security and rapid military mobilisation across the region.
- Demonstrates India’s technological self-reliance in the face of complex geopolitical realities.
Structural and Engineering Details
Key Specifications:
- Deck Height: 359 metres
- Total Length: 1,315 metres
- Main Arch Span: 467 metres
- Wind Resistance: Up to 266 km/h
- Seismic Resistance: Up to magnitude 8
- Blast Resistance: Equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT
- Temperature Endurance: As low as -20°C
- Design Life: 120 years
Over 26 km of approach roads were built to enable material and equipment transport through the mountainous terrain.
Engineers and Designers Involved
The design was proposed by Leonhardt, Andrä and Partner (Germany) in collaboration with Indian engineers. The final execution involved:
- Structural and slope analysis: IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee
- Foundation Design: IISc Bangalore
- Blast Resistance: DRDO
- Bearing systems: Mageba Switzerland
Indian civil engineers, project managers, and on-ground workers—many from local communities—made this feat a reality.
Investment and National Commitment
The bridge alone cost around ₹1,400 crore, while the entire USBRL project crosses a ₹35,000 crore budget. This massive investment reflects India’s long-term vision to:
- Improve regional accessibility
- Promote national unity
- Create a foundation for socio-economic development in Kashmir
Conclusion🎯
The Chenab Rail Bridge is more than just a bridge—it’s a symbol of what India can achieve through determination, vision, and unity. It tells a story of engineering excellence, national pride, and strategic foresight.
As trains start to run over this record-breaking arch, they won’t just carry passengers—they’ll carry the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of a connected India.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is the Chenab Rail Bridge located?
A: It spans the Chenab River gorge between Kauri and Bakkal in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
Q2: Is the Chenab Bridge truly the highest railway arch bridge in the world?
A: Yes. With a deck height of 359 m, it surpasses the Eiffel Tower by 35 m, earning its status as the world’s tallest railway arch bridge .
Q3: What are its dimensions and technical specifications?
A: The bridge is 1,315 m long, with a 467 m main steel arch span, featuring 17 spans total. It’s designed to resist winds up to 266 km/h, earthquakes up to Magnitude 8, temperatures from –20 °C to +40 °C, and even explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT .
Q4: When was it completed and inaugurated?
A: The bridge arch was closed in April 2021, track laying finished in early 2023, and it was officially inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 6 June 2025 .
Q5: What is its strategic and economic importance?
A:
- It enables year-round rail access to the Kashmir Valley, overcoming highway closures due to snow and landslides.
- It reduces travel time from Katra to Srinagar to under 3 hours.
- Enhances national integration, promotes tourism, boosts local trade, and significantly improves defence logistics to border areas,
Q6: What challenges were encountered during construction?
A:
- The project faced legal delays, including PILs that raised questions on alignment, methodology, and cost
- Challenging Himalayan terrain, unpredictable geology, and extreme weather demanded innovative solutions like on-site workshops, electricity generation, and constrained materials transport .
Q7: Who were the main engineers and organisations involved?
A:
- Managed by: Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd
- Constructed by: Afcons Infrastructure, VSL India, Ultra Construction (South Korea)
- Design: Leonhardt, Andrä & Partner (Germany), WSP Finland, Vienna Consulting Engineers
- Technical support: IBS (bearing solutions), IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, DRDO
- Steel supplier: Steel Authority of India.
Q8: Is the bridge open for pedestrian or tourist access?
A: No – only train traffic is permitted. Though there are scenic viewpoints near Reasi, walking or drone access is restricted for safety and security reasons .
Q9: Which trains will run over the Chenab Bridge?
A: The inaugural service includes two Vande Bharat Express trains running between Katra and Srinagar, using the new USBRL route .
Q10: How long will the bridge serve?
A: It is engineered for a 120-year lifespan, with robust structural monitoring, maintenance access, and technologies to ensure resilience .