The World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge: Chenab Bridge in India

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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge on June 6, 2025, in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir.
It is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 meters above the Chenab River.
The bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, enhancing connectivity to Kashmir.
The event included flagging off Vande Bharat trains, with services starting June 7, 2025.

Overview of the Event

On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, a significant infrastructure milestone. This bridge, located in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, is 359 meters above the Chenab River, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters. It is designed to withstand severe conditions, including seismic activity and high winds, ensuring durability in the Himalayan environment.

Details of the Bridge

The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a 272 km stretch costing ₹43,780 crore. This project includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges, providing Kashmir with its first all-weather railway connectivity to the rest of India. The bridge itself is 1,315 meters long and is expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about 3 hours.

Additional Highlights

During the inauguration, PM Modi also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, with regular services beginning on June 7, 2025. He inaugurated other projects, including the Anji bridge (India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge) and infrastructure like road widenings and flyovers, boosting regional development.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the Chenab Bridge Inauguration

The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in India’s infrastructure development, particularly for the Jammu and Kashmir region. This event, held in Reasi district, not only highlighted engineering excellence but also underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering regional growth. Below, we delve into the specifics of the bridge, the event, and its broader implications, drawing from recent reports and official statements.

Event Context and Timing

The inauguration occurred at 01:17 PM IST on June 6, 2025, aligning with PM Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. This visit, amidst heightened security, symbolized resilience and development, with the event coinciding with the launch of multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore, as noted in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PM Modi’s First Visit to J&K After Pahalgam Attack).

Chenab Bridge: Engineering Marvel

The Chenab Bridge, standing 359 meters above the riverbed, surpasses the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters, making it the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Its design, engineered to endure seismic activity and wind speeds up to 266 km/h, reflects India’s technological prowess in navigating the challenging Himalayan terrain. The bridge, with a span of 1,315 meters, is a critical component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which spans 272 km and includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges, as detailed in a report by Hindustan Times.

Feature	Details
Height Above Riverbed	359 meters
Comparison to Eiffel Tower	35 meters taller
Length	1,315 meters
Design Capacity	Withstands 266 km/h winds, seismic activity
Part of Project	Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
Project Cost	₹43,780 crore
Project Features	36 tunnels (119 km), 943 bridges
Expected Travel Time Impact	Reduces Katra-Srinagar to ~3 hours

USBRL Project and Connectivity

The USBRL project, costing ₹43,780 crore, aims to provide all-weather railway connectivity to Kashmir, a region historically challenged by seasonal disruptions. The 272 km stretch, featuring extensive tunneling and bridging, connects key areas like Katra and Srinagar, with the Chenab Bridge serving as a linchpin. Regular train services, including the Vande Bharat Express, began on June 7, 2025, reducing travel time and boosting economic prospects, as highlighted in a BBC News article.

Inauguration Highlights and Additional Projects

Beyond the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, enhancing passenger connectivity. He also inaugurated the Anji bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and launched infrastructure projects like the Rafiabad-Kupwara road widening on NH-701 and flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar, as reported by Times of India. These initiatives, worth ₹46,000 crore, underscore a comprehensive development push for the region.

PM Modi’s Engagements

During the visit, PM Modi interacted with engineers, workers, and officials involved in the USBRL project, acknowledging their efforts. He also engaged with key figures, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, while viewing an exhibition on the project’s progress, as noted in the Hindustan Times report.

Broader Implications

The Chenab Bridge’s inauguration is not merely an engineering feat but a symbol of national integration and development. It is expected to boost tourism, enhance trade, and improve accessibility, particularly in light of recent security challenges. The event, occurring post the Pahalgam attack, also served as a strong message of commitment to regional stability and growth, as seen in coverage by India Today.

Conclusion

The Chenab Bridge inauguration on June 6, 2025, represents a landmark achievement in India’s infrastructure landscape, with far-reaching implications for connectivity, economy, and regional development in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, marked by the flagging off of Vande Bharat trains and additional project launches, reinforces the government’s vision for a connected and prosperous nation.