India has officially opened the **Chenab Rail Bridge**, the tallest railway bridge in the world, located in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Standing at **1,178 feet** above the riverbed, it surpasses iconic structures such as London’s **Shard** skyscraper and the **Eiffel Tower**. The bridge, which spans **4,314 feet**, represents a significant engineering milestone and is designed to accommodate trains travelling at speeds of up to **62 mph**.
The construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge, which began in the early 2000s, required approximately **20 years** to complete. The project was overseen by the **Konkan Railway Corporation** on behalf of **Indian Railways**. The bridge was designed by **WSP Finland**, with arch designs contributed by **Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner**, and support from **Vienna Consulting Engineers**. Built using over **28,000 tonnes** of steel, the bridge is engineered to last for **120 years**.
Engineering Marvel in Challenging Terrain
The Chenab Rail Bridge incorporates several specialized features, including blast-resistant foundations, high-strength steel arches, and a corrosion-resistant paint system expected to last **15 years**. It is constructed to withstand earthquakes of up to **magnitude 8**, extreme winds, and temperatures as low as **−20°C**.
Construction faced numerous challenges due to its location in a seismically active area characterized by fractured terrain and severe weather conditions. The bridge is situated just **39 miles** from the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border with Pakistan. These factors necessitated meticulous planning and advanced engineering techniques.
The total cost of the bridge was approximately **₹14.86 billion** (around **£122 million**), forming a critical part of the **Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)**. This **169-mile** all-weather railway will provide the Kashmir Valley with its first rail connectivity to the rest of India.
Official Inauguration and Future Prospects
The bridge’s arch was completed in **April 2021**, with the entire structure finished by **August 2022**. Trial runs commenced in **June 2024**, leading to the official start of regular rail traffic on **June 6, 2025**, marked by an inauguration ceremony attended by **Prime Minister Narendra Modi**.
After the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in this achievement, stating:
“The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It’s a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India’s growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains.”
The opening of the Chenab Rail Bridge not only symbolizes a significant infrastructure achievement for India but also enhances connectivity and accessibility for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a new chapter in the region’s transportation landscape.
