Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River, marking a historic moment for Indian infrastructure. The 1,315-meter steel bridge stands 359 meters above the river and represents a significant engineering achievement in challenging terrain. This landmark project aims to enhance connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. The bridge is part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project, promising to transform regional mobility and economic integration.

Key Points: Modi Launches Chenab Bridge Connecting Kashmir to India

  • World's highest railway arch bridge connects Kashmir to mainland India
  • Reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar to 3 hours
  • Overcomes challenging terrain and seismic conditions
  • Part of ambitious USBRL railway project
4 min read

India will give a befitting reply to terrorism while continuing development works: BJP's Manish Tiwari on Chenab rail bridge

World's highest railway arch bridge inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir, symbolizing India's infrastructure triumph and anti-terrorism resolve.

"Today we all felt very proud when we saw Prime Minister Modi hoisting the tricolour over the Chenab Bridge. - Manish Tiwari, BJP MP"

New Delhi, June 7

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Friday lauded the inauguration of the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River and said that it sends out a strong message to the world that India is committed to combating terrorism while steadfastly advancing its development works.

Tiwari also said that Prime Minister Modi hoisting the national flag atop the Chenab rail bridge was a moment of pride..

Speaking to ANI, Manish Tiwari said, "Today we all felt very proud when we saw Prime Minister Modi hoisting the tricolour over the Chenab Bridge. The construction of the bridge sends out the message to the world that India will give a befitting reply to terrorism while continuing development works. People can now directly commute to Srinagar after the construction of the Chenab Bridge."

After inaugurating the much-awaited and world's highest railway arch bridge over the river Chenab during his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the development works will enhance the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, " A journey to remember and a big boost to connectivity! Travelled from the Chenab Rail Bridge to Anji Bridge and thereon to Katra for the public meeting. Today's development works will enhance the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir."

The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated 359 metres above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

The Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge will take just about three hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by two to three hours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, directly connecting the Jammu division with Kashmir.

This marks a major milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's railway connectivity. Before flagging off the trains, Prime Minister Modi interacted with school children onboard and also spoke with railway staff members present on the train.

The new Vande Bharat Express service will reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar from the current 6-7 hours by road to just about 3 hours. The trains aim to provide a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.

The train will run through the Anji Khad Bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, which is the highest railway bridge in the world.

These trains have been specially designed to operate in the cold climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab Railway Bridge' and India's first cable-stayed 'Anji Bridge' in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present during the inauguration.

Before the inauguration of the bridge on the Chenab, the Prime Minister inspected the railway arch bridge.

These bridges are part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project in Jammu and Kashmir.

The iconic Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, is part of the Katra-to-Sangaldan stretch, connecting New Delhi directly with Kashmir via Katra. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel standing at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed. It will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history.

The project faced numerous engineering and logistical challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and seismic sensitivity. Yet, after years of meticulous work, the bridge now stands as a testament to India's technological prowess and commitment to inclusive development.

It marks a transformative chapter in India's infrastructural landscape, promising greater connectivity, economic growth, and social integration in the region.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges.

The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is truly an engineering marvel! 🇮🇳 The Chenab bridge shows how India is developing infrastructure in challenging regions while maintaining national security. The reduced travel time will be a game-changer for Kashmir's tourism and local economy. Kudos to all the engineers and workers who made this possible!
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the development, I hope the government also focuses on creating job opportunities for Kashmiri youth alongside such projects. Infrastructure alone won't solve issues - we need holistic development that gives people stake in peace.
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Amit S.
Jai Hind! This bridge is our answer to those who doubted India's capabilities. The tricolor flying high over Chenab sends a powerful message - terrorism won't stop our progress. Now our pilgrims can visit Vaishno Devi more easily. 🙏
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Sunita R.
As someone who has family in Jammu, this connectivity means so much! No more worrying about dangerous mountain roads in winters. But I hope ticket prices remain affordable for common people. Development should benefit all, not just the privileged.
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Vikram J.
The security implications are important too. Better connectivity means faster troop movement if needed. After Uri and Pulwama, we need such strategic infrastructure. But let's not forget to protect these assets - hope there's proper security planning.
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Neha T.
Beautiful achievement! But I wonder about environmental impact studies - Chenab is part of our fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Hope the government is equally committed to sustainable development. Progress and ecology must go hand in hand.

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