World’s highest rail bridge over Chenab awaits CRS green light for train service

Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS) D.C. Deshwal is set to conduct a two-day inspection of the 46-km Sangaldan-Reasi section, which includes the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge over the Chenab River and several major tunnels. This crucial inspection, scheduled for June 27-28, will determine the commissioning of this vital section of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, an official announced on Sunday.

Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, Deepak Kumar, confirmed the inspection and emphasized its significance. “The works of Sangaldan to Reasi will be completed before the scheduled inspection of CRS,” he said. The commissioning of this section hinges on the CRS’s assessment.

The USBRL project spans 272 km, with 209 km already commissioned in phases. The first phase, a 118 km stretch from Qazigund to Baramulla, was inaugurated in October 2009, followed by the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013, the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014, and the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February this year.

With the anticipated commissioning of the 46 km Sangaldan-Reasi section, only a 17 km stretch between Reasi and Katra remains pending. This final segment is expected to be completed by year-end, realizing the long-awaited dream of connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country by train—a project initiated in 1997 but delayed due to geological, topographical, and meteorological challenges.

Official sources indicated that the first train between Sangaldan and Reasi is likely to be flagged off on June 30, effectively linking Reasi district in Jammu to Kashmir via the railway line.

Last month, Northern Railway General Manager Shobhan Chaudhuri inspected the Chenab Bridge up to Sangaldan station via Motor Trolley, evaluating the track, electrical and mechanical systems, and signal telecom works in the Bakkal-Duggar-Sawalkote-Sangaldan section. Chaudhuri also reviewed the completion activities for the Sawalkote yard and Tunnels T-42 and T-43 alongside engineers from Northern Railway, IRCON, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL).

Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared an update on social media, stating, “The train service from #Ramban (Sangaldan) to #Reasi via the world’s highest railway bridge built on river Chenab to begin soon. The #Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (#USBRL) project will be completed by year-end.”

The 1.3 km Chenab rail bridge, situated 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower—forms a critical link in the project. The J&K Administration has already announced plans to develop the bridge as a tourist attraction.

The base of the steel and concrete arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri, 42 km from Reasi town, was completed in November 2017, allowing for the construction of the main arch, which was finished in April 2021. In August 2022, the overarch deck of the bridge was completed with a ‘Golden Joint,’ paving the way for track laying, which was finished last year.

Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, who recently inspected the railway line, expressed the community’s anticipation. “The people of the district are eagerly waiting to hear the train’s siren and see it chugging on the track,” he said. Mahajan highlighted the significance of the Sangaldan-Reasi section’s commissioning, stating it will provide an alternate link between Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This will be followed by linking Katra station to Kashmir, marking a new phase and a major achievement as the valley connects to Kanyakumari,” he told PTI.

He emphasized the pride and engineering prowess associated with the project. “When the train crosses the Chenab bridge, it will be a proud moment for the country, showcasing our engineers’ achievement in gifting the highest railway bridge to the world.”

Mahajan noted the engineering marvels throughout the project, including India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad. He saluted the railways for their progress towards completing this ‘dream project.’