New Delhi, 09-04-2025: In a historic stride toward infrastructure excellence and regional integration, the Ministry of Railways has hailed the majestic Chenab Rail Bridge as a landmark that transcends mere engineering to become a symbol of India’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development. Set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 19, the bridge will be part of a larger milestone marked by the launch of the Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar via Katra, marking the full operationalization of the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL).
Described by the Railway Ministry as more than just a connection between two mountains, the Chenab Bridge represents a confluence of “dreams, development, and a new era” for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “Built in the geologically fragile and mountainous Himalayan region, the Chenab Bridge is not just a marvel of modern engineering — it is a living testament to India’s resilience, ingenuity, and determined push to bring connectivity and prosperity to the remotest corners of the nation,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board.
Spanning 1,315 metres over the Chenab River near the Salal Dam, the bridge boasts a main arch span of 467 metres. Soaring to an awe-inspiring height of 359 metres above the riverbed, the structure officially holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway bridge, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower and standing nearly five times taller than the iconic Qutub Minar.
The bridge has been engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including wind speeds of up to 266 kmph. The construction effort saw the deployment of over 28,000 metric tonnes of steel and featured pioneering construction techniques such as the use of a unique cable crane system — a first in Indian Railways. This advanced mechanism transported heavy construction materials across a 915-metre-wide gorge, with two massive cable cars suspended from pylons over 100 metres in height, showcasing the scale and complexity of the operation.
The Chenab Bridge, a vital link in the USBRL project, does not merely connect geographies — it connects aspirations, lives, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India through an all-weather, safe, and reliable transport corridor. Once a vision limited by terrain and topography, the dream of seamless rail travel from the plains to the picturesque Valley is now a reality.
With the advent of this engineering triumph, the government aims to unleash a new era of economic activity, tourism, social integration, and strategic mobility across the region. The bridge stands not only as a symbol of connectivity but also as a bold affirmation of the central government’s resolve to bring inclusive progress to every citizen, regardless of geography.