Kashmir, India — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, on Friday. This engineering wonder stands 30 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and symbolizes India’s technological prowess and ambition.
Spanning the Chenab River between the Kauri and Bakkal regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the arch-shaped Chenab Bridge reaches a staggering height of 359 meters above the river and stretches over 1.31 kilometers in length. Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions — including temperatures as low as -20°C and winds up to 266 km/h — the bridge is a testament to modern engineering.
The inauguration will also mark the flag-off of the Vande Bharat Express, connecting the Kat Dha region to Kashmir, dramatically reducing travel time between Jammu and Srinagar. Officials confirm the bridge is built to last at least 120 years, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h.
A Century-Old Dream Realized
The vision for the Chenab Bridge dates back to the British era, but it wasn’t until recent years that the dream took shape. Though originally designed in 2002 under Prime Minister Vajpayee, it took nearly 23 years to complete. Its construction used 28,000 tonnes of steel, 1486 crores INR, and involved 93 deck segments and 17 spans. The arch alone spans 467 meters, while each deck segment weighs 85 tonnes.
The bridge connects the Shivalik and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, and once fully operational, it will revolutionize rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, linking regions like Udhampur, Baramulla, and Srinagar more efficiently than ever before.
With its towering height, robust design, and strategic importance, the Chenab Bridge stands not only as a feat of engineering but also as a symbol of national pride.
