India has inaugurated the **Chenab Rail Bridge**, officially recognized as the highest railway bridge in the world. This monumental structure spans the deep gorge of the **Chenab River** in **Jammu and Kashmir**, reaching a height of **1,178 feet** above the riverbed. The bridge surpasses both the **Shard** in London and the **Eiffel Tower** in height, marking a significant achievement in engineering.
The bridge, which was completed at a cost of approximately **£122 million** (around **₹14.86 billion**), is a key component of the **Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)**. This **169-mile** all-weather railway will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India for the first time via rail. Construction took nearly two decades, commencing after project approval in the early 2000s, with the arch completed by **April 2021** and the entire structure finished in **August 2022**.
Engineering Excellence
Designed by **WSP Finland** and featuring arch designs from **Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner**, the Chenab Rail Bridge showcases advanced engineering techniques. It was constructed using over **28,000 tonnes** of steel, ensuring durability with an intended lifespan of **120 years**. Trains can travel at speeds up to **62 mph** across the bridge, which is equipped with specialized features such as blast-resistant foundations and a corrosion-resistant paint system designed to last **15 years**.
The construction faced unique challenges, as the bridge is located in a **seismically active zone** characterized by fractured terrain. The area is also known for harsh weather conditions and geopolitical tensions, with the bridge situated just **39 miles** from the **Line of Control** (LoC) that separates India and Pakistan. Engineers had to implement innovative solutions to address these difficulties, including designing the structure to withstand earthquakes of up to a magnitude of **8**, extreme winds, and temperatures as low as **−20°C**.
A Historic Milestone
Trial runs on the bridge commenced in **June 2024**, with regular rail service officially starting on **June 6, 2025**. The inauguration was conducted by **Prime Minister Narendra Modi**, who expressed national pride in the accomplishment. In a post on **X** (formerly Twitter), he stated, “The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It’s a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India’s growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains.”
The opening of the Chenab Rail Bridge not only symbolizes a major achievement for Indian engineering but also enhances connectivity in a region long affected by geographic and political barriers. This project represents a commitment to improving infrastructure and accessibility in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to facilitate economic growth and development in the area.
