Chenab Rail Bridge: A Marvel Uniting Kashmir with India
Explore the journey of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s tallest railway arch bridge, and its transformative impact on Kashmir’s connectivity. Introduction On June 6, 2025, India marked a significant achievement with the opening of the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Reaching a height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, this engineering marvel is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, even exceeding the height of the Eiffel Tower. As an essential component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the bridge is poised to transform transportation access to the Kashmir Valley. Origins and Vision The dream of connecting Kashmir to India’s rail network began in 1892 under Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that serious planning for the Jammu–Baramulla railway line took shape. Progress accelerated in the 1990s with renewed government support, leading to a phased approach to this ambitious project. Engineering and Construction ...