Katra | June 6, 2025:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Rail Bridge—a marvel of modern engineering that soars 359 metres above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres.
Waving the Tricolour atop the newly built steel arch bridge, PM Modi called it a "historic moment of pride" for India.
“The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! This is not just a bridge, it’s a symbol of India’s resolve to build the impossible.
It reflects the strength of New India, building futuristic infrastructure in the most difficult terrains,” he told a cheering crowd in Katra.
The bridge, part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is being hailed as a strategic and symbolic lifeline connecting Kashmir more closely with the rest of India.
Highlights of the Chenab Bridge:
Height: 359 metres above the river
Length: 1,315 metres
Material Used: 30,000 tonnes of steel
Wind Resistance: Can withstand speeds up to 260 km/h
Earthquake Resilience: Built to endure Zone-V level seismic activity
Foundation Width: As wide as half a football field
Alongside the Chenab Bridge, another engineering feat—the Anji Bridge—was also highlighted for its unique single-pylon cable-stayed design.
Built on a central pillar, the Anji Bridge spans 725.5 metres and includes 96 stay cables, making it the first of its kind in the country.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended the event, said the dream of this rail link dates back to British times.
“The British had brought the train up to Uri and dreamt of linking Kashmir with the rest of India, but they couldn’t make it.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation, and PM Modi has delivered it,” he said.
He also highlighted the local impact of the bridge, recalling the hardships people faced earlier.
“When the highway shut due to rain, airlines would loot the public with sky-high fares—tickets worth ₹5,000 would go up to ₹20,000. Now, that chapter ends.”
PM Modi also interacted with workers who helped build the bridge.
“They come from all corners of India. They told me of the tough times they faced and how proud their families are today. This bridge is a tribute to their hard work and to the spirit of India,” he said.
With this inauguration, India not only achieves a global milestone in infrastructure but also marks a new chapter in Jammu & Kashmir’s connectivity and development.
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