PM Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the iconic Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, marking a historic milestone in Indian infrastructure. Standing at a staggering height of 359 metres above the Chenab River, the bridge is the highest railway arch bridge in the world, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Describing it as an “extraordinary feat of architecture” in a post on social media platform X, the PM said the bridge will significantly enhance connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The bridge forms a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, aimed at strengthening rail access in the Himalayan region.
Constructed over two decades, the Chenab Bridge spans a total length of 1,315 metres with a 467-metre-long steel arch. It rises 1,178 feet (359 metres) above the riverbed, making it the tallest railway bridge in the world. The structure was built using 28,000 tonnes of steel and is designed to withstand wind speeds of over 260 km/h and seismic activity. It comprises 93 deck segments – each weighing approximately 85 tonnes – connected using six lakh bolts across 17 spans.
22 Years in the Making
The ambitious project was first sanctioned in 2003 under the leadership of then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. After 22 years of meticulous engineering and construction, it now stands as a symbol of India’s technological prowess and infrastructure ambition. The deck was assembled using an advanced method that launched segments from both ends of the valley, demanding exceptional precision and coordination.
Engineers have projected a lifespan of 120 years for the bridge, reinforcing its significance as one of India’s most durable infrastructure achievements.
Strategic and Symbolic Importance
Beyond its architectural value, the Chenab Bridge holds immense strategic importance. It is built to support the movement of heavy artillery and facilitate swift military deployment in sensitive border regions. The recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, has further highlighted the necessity for robust logistical networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
