Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab Rail Bridge on Friday, marking a significant milestone in India's engineering capabilities and its commitment to enhancing connectivity in the Kashmir Valley. This architectural marvel, soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, is the world's highest railway bridge, standing 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
The Chenab Bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a ₹43,780 crore initiative designed to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the Indian rail network through all-weather, high-speed connectivity. The 272-kilometer project includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers, 943 bridges, and India's longest railway tunnel, Tunnel T-50, measuring 12.77 kilometers.
The bridge itself is an engineering feat, utilizing approximately 28,000 tonnes of steel and 6 lakh bolts. Its design can withstand seismic activity and strong winds exceeding 260 kilometers per hour. The 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge comprises 17 spans, with the main arch spanning 467 meters, making it one of the longest of its kind.
The Chenab Bridge is not just about connectivity; it's also expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region. Travel agents anticipate increased tourism due to the improved accessibility. The Union Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and FICCI, plans to organize events to attract visitors.
The bridge is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including over 100 sensors that monitor structural health, wind velocity, temperature, humidity, and vibrations in real-time. A 780-meter-long blast protection platform is mounted on the bridge's surface to absorb impacts during train operations. A dedicated control room with 150 servers manages the data from these sensors, ensuring continuous monitoring and safety.
Adding to the connectivity boost, PM Modi will also flag off Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Baramulla. These trains will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours, significantly accelerating passenger and pilgrimage traffic. This enhanced connectivity is particularly vital, especially considering recent security challenges and the terror attack in Pahalgam.
The Chenab Bridge project has faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Construction began in 2004 but was temporarily halted due to alignment and safety concerns. Work resumed in 2010 after design adjustments. The construction process involved advanced cable cranes for assembly and the use of 25,000 tons of steel and 46,000 cubic meters of concrete. The bridge's design and construction have been closely watched and discussed by nations worldwide, underscoring its significance as an engineering landmark.
The completion of the Chenab Bridge marks a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu and Kashmir, fulfilling a vision that began decades ago. The bridge symbolizes India's commitment to regional development and its ability to overcome significant engineering challenges.
