The Chenab Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, stands not only as an engineering marvel but also as a symbol of India's determination to conquer formidable challenges. The bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, fulfilling a century-old dream of connecting Kashmir to the rest of India via railway. While the bridge's towering presence and advanced engineering often take center stage, the origin story reveals a less glamorous but equally crucial aspect of its construction: the indispensable role of horses and mules.
Before the arrival of towering cranes and heavy machinery, the initial challenge was simply accessing the remote and rugged terrain of the Himalayas. The location, surrounded by steep slopes, lacked proper roads or tracks, leaving only narrow, winding paths. In those early days, the construction team relied heavily on the most basic mode of transportation: horses and mules. These animals were instrumental in transporting essential equipment and materials to the bridge site, proving their worth in the face of challenging conditions.
According to a spokesperson from Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the engineering firm responsible for executing the project, horses and mules were the primary means of reaching the location in the initial phases. Over time, temporary access roads were carved out, gradually leading to the development of more permanent routes. On the north bank of the Chenab River, an 11-kilometer road was constructed, followed by a 12-kilometer road on the south bank. These routes eventually facilitated the transportation of machinery, steel, and other vital resources required for the bridge's construction.
The construction of the Chenab Bridge, built between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, presented numerous engineering challenges. The bridge is situated in Zone V, a major seismic zone characterized by fractured geology. Engineers had to devise innovative solutions to ensure the bridge's stability and durability. One of the primary concerns was building the bridge without disrupting the natural flow of the Chenab River. The absence of adequate road links further complicated the transportation of heavy machinery and materials.
G Madhavi Latha, a rock mechanics specialist and professor of civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), played a key role in guiding the project for 17 years. She and her team adopted a "design-as-you-go" approach, constantly reevaluating and innovating strategies in real-time as the mountain terrain revealed unexpected challenges. They encountered fragmented rocks held together by joints and hidden cavities, which heightened the risk of rockslides. To mitigate these risks, the construction teams implemented cement grouting to reinforce the rocks and implanted steel anchors to enhance stability.
The bridge's design incorporates several safety features to withstand extreme conditions. It is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 266 km/hr and earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. The steel structure can endure temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the bridge is engineered to remain operational even if one of its piers is damaged, with trains able to pass at a reduced speed of 30 km/hr. The bridge is also designed to withstand high-intensity explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT.
The Chenab Bridge stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the engineers and construction workers involved. Its completion marks a significant milestone in Indian engineering, connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country and fulfilling a long-cherished dream. The bridge is more than just a transportation link; it is a symbol of national pride and a source of inspiration for future generations of engineers.
