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Chenab Rail Bridge: World’s Highest Railway bridge
The Chenab Rail Bridge, an engineering marvel, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, towering 359 m (1,178 feet) meters above the Chenab River, located in district Reasi. This bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower and is a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, this bridge plays a crucial role in enhancing railway connectivity in the Himalayan region.
Key Features of Chenab Rail Bridge
- Height and Length: The bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River, with a total length of 1.3 kilometers, including a 650-meter viaduct on the northern side
- Arch Span: Its main arch spans 467 meters, making it the longest of its kind.
- Durability: Designed to withstand extreme conditions, the bridge can resist wind speeds up to 266 kilometers per hour and is built to be ‘blast-proof’ and withstand severe earthquakes.
- Lifespan and Speed: The bridge is designed to support train speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and has an expected lifespan of 120 years
- Location: Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Material Used: Steel and concrete
Construction Challenges and Engineering Marvel
The construction of this railway bridge was challenging due to its high altitude terrain, strong winds and seismic zone IV location.
So the bridge is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale and features advanced steel arch technology to ensure stability.
The arch design combined with sophisticated geotechnical engineering made it possible to construct this bridge in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. Engineers used advanced construction techniques including cable cranes and derrick technology, to lift materials to extreme heights.
Despite these challenges and numerous delays the Chenab railway bridge completed finally in December 2024. Many successful trial runs have also been operated on this bridge.
Importance of Chenab Rail Bridge for Indian Railways
The Chenab Rail Bridge is a vital part of the USBRL project, connecting the valley of Kashmir with the rest of India by rail for the first time. On June 20, 2024, a trial run of the MEMU train was successfully conducted on the newly electrified line section between Reasi and Sangaldan, which included crossing the iconic bridge.
- Boosting Connectivity – The bridge will enable direct railway access to Kashmir, reducing travel time significantly.
- Economic Growth – Improved connectivity will enhance tourism, trade, and local employment opportunities.
- Defense and Strategic Benefits – It strengthens India’s border infrastructure in a strategically important region.
- Enabling year-round connectivity to the Kashmir Valley
Opening Date of Chenab Rail Bridge
After various successful train runs on the Chenab Rail Bridge, it is expected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vande Bharat train on June 06, 2025. With this, the bridge will become operational for public railway services. The vande Bharat train will pass on this railway bridge.
Construction of Chenab Railway Bridge
The construction and design work of this Bridge was awarded to Afcons Infrastructure, which is the third largest construction group in India. Konkan Railway Corporation was also involved in major decision-making. Other organizations that contributed to the design of the bridge include the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Is Chenab Bridge the highest rail bridge in the world?
Yes, the Chenab Bridge is the highest rail bridge in the world. It stands 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River in India. The bridge, part of the Indian Railways’ Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, is higher than the Eiffel Tower and was completed in 2024.
Height and Length of Chenab rail bridge
The Chenab Rail Bridge is 359 meters (1,178 feet) high and 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) long. It is the highest rail bridge in the world, spanning the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the Chenab Rail Bridge unique?
It is the highest railway arch bridge in the world, standing at 359 meters above the Chenab River.
When did the Chenab Bridge construction begin?
Work started in 2004, with the arch completed in 2024. Operations are expected to commence in February 2025.
Is the bridge earthquake-proof?
Yes, it’s designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.
Where is the Chenab Rail Bridge located?
The bridge is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, between Bakkal and Kauri.
How high is the Chenab Rail Bridge?
It stands 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River bed.
What materials were used to build the Chenab Rail Bridge?
Primarily steel and concrete. Special grade steel was used to ensure the bridge’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
What is the expected lifespan of the Chenab Rail Bridge?
The bridge is designed to have a lifespan of 120 years.
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