Chenab Bridge-
Kashmir Connectivity Lifeline
Introduction
The Chenab Rail Bridge is a monumental engineering feat in India, built
over the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. With a
deck height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed, it is the
highest railway bridge in the world, even taller than the Eiffel Tower. It
connects Kauri and Bakkal stations and is a vital part of the Jammu–
Baramulla rail line, designed to link the Kashmir Valley with the rest of
India.
Historical Background and Strategic Importance
The idea of a Kashmir rail link dates back to the 1970s, aimed at ensuring
all-weather connectivity, as roads often get blocked in winter. Though the
foundation stone was laid in 1983, actual construction began only in the
mid-1990s due to funding and technical delays.
The railway project progressed in phases:
Jammu–Udhampur section opened in 2005
Udhampur–Katra in 2014
Baramulla–Banihal section completed between 2008–2013
Design and Engineering
Declared a national project, the bridge’s construction was managed by
Konkan Railway Corporation under Northern Railways. Its design involved
firms like WSP Finland, Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner (Germany), and
Vienna Consulting Engineers (Austria).
Key Technical Specifications:
Length: 1,315 m
Height: 359 m
Main arch span: 467 m
Width: 13.5 m (double track)
Tallest pier: 133.7 m
Materials used:
28,660 tonnes of steel
66,000 m³ of concrete
84 km of bolts and cables
The arch consists of twin ribs with steel boxes filled with concrete. The
bridge was designed to endure:
Earthquakes (up to magnitude 8)
Wind speeds of 266 km/h
Blasts of 40 tonnes TNT
Temperatures as low as −20°C
Institutions like DRDO, IISc, and IITs conducted extensive testing, seismic
and stability analysis. The design complies with Indian and international
engineering standards, ensuring durability and safety.
Construction Process and Challenges
Construction began in 2017 by a joint venture: Afcons Infrastructure, VSL
India, and Ultra Construction (South Korea). The remote Himalayan
location presented major challenges:
On-site workshops were set up
Power was generated locally
Water was piped from the Chenab
A special corrosion-resistant paint was developed for longevity
Though originally planned for 2009, safety concerns halted work in 2008.
Construction resumed in 2010, base supports were completed by 2017,
and the arch by April 2021. Final completion occurred in August 2022 at a
cost of ₹14.86 billion (US$180 million).
Inauguration and Operations
Track laying began in February 2023, and trial runs started in June 2024.
Delays due to weather pushed the inauguration to 6 June 2025, when
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first train. The bridge now
fully integrates the Jammu–Baramulla rail line, significantly boosting
connectivity, security, and economic development in the region.
Conclusion
The Chenab Rail Bridge stands as a symbol of modern India's engineering
excellence, strategic foresight, and commitment to regional integration. It
is not just a bridge but a landmark of progress, setting global standards in
infrastructure and strengthening the nation’s bond with Jammu and
Kashmir.
Research by- V. Yatin Rayudu
SOURCES-
Wikipedia
WSP
The Hindu
