Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently shared a mesmerizing video showcasing the majestic Chenab Railway Bridge, which connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. Posting the video on X, the Railway Minister wrote, “Helicopter shot – Chenab bridge,” offering viewers a bird’s-eye view of the engineering marvel.
The Chenab Rail Bridge, located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. Made from steel and concrete, the bridge spans the Chenab River and rises 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, making it the world’s highest rail bridge and the highest arch bridge globally.
Helicopter shot 🎥 – Chenab bridge pic.twitter.com/IGkJ3uZM7u
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 26, 2024
The construction of this single-track railway bridge began with the completion of its base supports in November 2017, enabling the construction of the main arch. The arch was completed in April 2021, while the entire bridge was finished by August 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project on February 20, 2024. The USBRL project also includes the 48.1-kilometer Banihal-Sangaldan section, a crucial step toward enhancing connectivity in the region.
On June 20, 2024, Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of an eight-coach MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train on the newly constructed Chenab Bridge. This trial was a major milestone, marking the beginning of potential rail services between Reasi and Baramulla in Kashmir.
The Railways issued a statement after the successful trial, stating, “After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from the Railway Board, Northern Railway, and Konkan Railway, a trial run was conducted on a 46-km-long electrified section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph.”
The Chenab Rail Bridge, which will soon begin regular services, is expected to greatly enhance connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. This engineering marvel not only stands as a testament to India’s technological advancements but also promises to bring significant economic and social benefits to the region, transforming travel and trade in the years to come.
