Chenab bridge: World’s highest railway arch bridge to connect Kashmir by Indian rail

In a landmark moment for India’s infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the final stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), featuring the world’s highest railway arch bridge—the Chenab Bridge. This historic link will connect Kashmir to the Indian rail network for the first time, boosting connectivity, trade, tourism, and regional development.

Image credit: Freepik

The village of Bakkal in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district is brimming with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate a major milestone in India’s infrastructure journey on April 19—the final segment of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), spanning 272 kilometers. This leg includes the world-renowned Chenab Railway Bridge, a groundbreaking structure that will, for the first time, link the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by rail.

Rising 359 meters above the Chenab River, this bridge is now the tallest railway arch bridge globally, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height. Its completion marks not only a technical triumph but also a deeply symbolic one—representing unity, development, and integration. Residents have described it as much more than just a means of transport, calling it an emotional bond that ties Kashmir more closely to the nation.

The USBRL project faced significant challenges, from navigating rough mountainous terrain to working within a seismically active zone. Yet through years of planning, innovation, and determination, the bridge and surrounding rail infrastructure have been completed. The Prime Minister is expected to emphasize how this feat will boost economic opportunities in the region, especially in tourism, trade, and job creation.

According to a senior railway official, the bridge’s construction used about 30,000 metric tons of steel, with its largest base covering almost a third of a football field. The entire rail project includes 36 tunnels totaling approximately 119 kilometers and around 1,000 bridges—an extraordinary engineering accomplishment in itself.

Because the railway runs through a geologically sensitive zone, extensive safety measures have been implemented, including real-time surveillance and control centers at each station. The railway line uses electric engines powered by newly designed overhead equipment, replacing conventional wiring with sturdy metal poles, a first for such a challenging environment.

Apart from connecting Kashmir to the national railway grid, the project has also benefited remote communities. Roughly 200 kilometers of roads were built to support the construction, providing much-needed access to areas that previously lacked connectivity. What once seemed an impossible dream has now become reality—showcasing the spirit of a determined, forward-moving India.