Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge – Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on 06 June 2025.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir on 06 June 2025. Among these multiple development projects, Chenab Bridge – the world’s highest railway arch bridge, is a landmark project.
Salient Features of the World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge: Chenab Rail Bridge
- The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the river, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
- It rises 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower.
- The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal.
- It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions.
- This steel arch structure is a key part of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway Link and marks a significant milestone in Indian engineering.
- Designed to endure harsh terrain and extreme weather, the bridge can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour and is built to last 120 years.
- With a project cost of Rs 1,486 crore, it is not just a bridge but a symbol of India’s technical prowess.
- Structural steel suitable for temperatures ranging from minus 10 to 40 degrees Celsius has been used, ensuring resilience across seasonal extremes.
- The most sophisticated ‘Tekla’ software was used for structural detailing, enabling high precision in design and execution.
- A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
- Through Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing existing travel time by 2-3 hours.
Connectivity Projects and other development initiatives:
» Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated multiple development projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Anji Rail Bridges:
» The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain.
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project:
» Prime Minister also dedicated Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation.
- The 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 driving socio-economic integration.
Vande Bharat Express Trains:
» Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back.
- They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, pilgrims among others.
Various Road Projects:
» In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects.
- He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore.
- He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence:
» Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore.
- It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.