Chenab Rail Bridge, World’s Highest Railway Bridge Boosts Kashmir Connectivity

On June 6, 2025, a historic milestone in infrastructure was achieved with the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This impressive structure rises 359 meters above the Chenab River, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower, and it is now recognized as the world’s highest railway arch. The bridge spans 1,315 meters across a dramatic gorge in the Himalayan region of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as a vital link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail for the first time.

History of the Chenab Railway Bridge

The idea of connecting the Kashmir Valley by rail dates back to 1892, when Maharaja Hari Singh first imagined a railway line that could link the region to the rest of India. Though visionary, the idea remained dormant for nearly a century—primarily due to the difficult Himalayan terrain and political complexities. It wasn’t until 1983 that the project finally took its first real step forward with the laying of the foundation stone for the Jammu–Baramulla railway line. At its heart was an engineering dream that would eventually become the Chenab Railway Bridge, designed to cross one of the deepest gorges in the region.

The real breakthrough came in 1994–95, when the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) received formal approval. Recognizing the scale of the challenge, the Indian Railways brought in experts from IISc, IIT Delhi, IIT Roorkee, and global consultants to conduct deep geological, wind, and seismic assessments. Their studies revealed the enormity of the task: the Chenab River gorge near Reasi sits in a highly unstable seismic zone, prone to landslides, gusty winds, and freezing winters—making conventional bridge-building methods unsuitable.

By August 2004, the construction of the bridge began under a consortium including Afcons, VSL India, and Ultra, with design consultancy from WSP Finland and Leonhardt-Andrä und Partner (Germany). The DRDO also contributed to the design, ensuring the structure could withstand blasts—underscoring the bridge’s strategic significance.

However, by 2008, the project came to a standstill. Concerns about alignment, slope stability, and worker safety forced a full halt in construction. Two years of redesign followed, during which engineers adapted the plans to the region’s unique conditions. The new design included features that made the bridge not just stronger—but smarter:

• Seismic resistance, capable of absorbing earthquakes up to magnitude 8
• Wind-proofing, tested to withstand gusts of up to 260 km/h
• Blast protection, with specialized materials and structural redundancies
• Advanced slope stabilization, using deep rock bolting, anchors, and corrosion-proof concrete

Work resumed in 2010, and by November 2017, all 18 massive piers were in place—each anchored into solid rock through extensive geotechnical treatment. The star feature, however, was the steel arch, stretching 467 meters across the gorge. Constructed using aerial cable cranes and supported by temporary pylons, the two halves of the arch were finally joined in April 2021, in a celebrated moment known as the “golden joint.”

By August 2022, the structural work on the bridge was complete, and track laying was finalized by March 2023. A series of rigorous trial runs took place in June 2024, validating the bridge’s performance and safety. On 6 June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the bridge, declaring it open to rail traffic.

Costing approximately ₹43,780 crore (US$5.2 billion), the bridge is now the crown jewel of the USBRL project—shortening travel time between Katra and Srinagar to under three hours. The line will support advanced trains like Vande Bharat, enhancing both civilian movement and strategic logistics in a sensitive border zone.

What Makes the Chenab Railway Bridge Truly Exceptional?

• World’s highest railway arch bridge: Soaring 359 meters above the riverbed, it surpasses the Eiffel Tower by over 35 meters.
• Global engineering standards: Built using a combination of British (BS), Euro, UIC, and Indian standards, designed to last 120 years.
• Blending old and new: Before cranes arrived, horses and mules were used to carry materials up the treacherous slopes.
• Transformative impact: The bridge connects remote communities, improves tourism access, and strengthens India’s defense logistics in Jammu & Kashmir.

Chenab Bridge Construction Timeline

1983

The foundation stone for the Jammu–Baramulla railway project is laid. This project would later include the Chenab Rail Bridge as a critical component to improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

1994–1995

The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project receives official approval. The Chenab Rail Bridge becomes one of its most challenging and essential elements.

August 2004

Construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge officially begins. Engineers and planners take on the task of building a railway bridge over one of the most difficult terrains in the Himalayas.

2008

Construction is halted due to serious challenges related to alignment, safety, and stability. The extreme weather conditions, wind speeds, and geological concerns force a temporary pause to reassess the design.

2010

After multiple design reviews and the introduction of advanced engineering solutions, construction resumes. New safety features are incorporated to handle seismic activity and high wind pressure in the region.

November 2017

Major construction activities restart with the completion of the bridge’s massive base supports. This marks a significant step in the structural progress of the project.

April 2021

The iconic steel arch of the Chenab Bridge is completed. At 359 meters above the riverbed, it becomes the tallest railway bridge arch in the world, surpassing even the height of the Eiffel Tower.

August 2022

The structural framework of the bridge is fully completed. The two ends are successfully joined, making it possible to lay tracks across the entire 1.3 km span.

March 2023

Track laying work is completed on the bridge. This prepares the structure for technical testing and future rail operations.

June 2024

The first successful trial runs are conducted across the bridge. These tests confirm the bridge’s safety, strength, and readiness for full-scale railway traffic.

February 2025

Satellite images confirm that the bridge is fully complete and operational. Its presence becomes clearly visible and documented in global satellite mapping services.

6 June 2025

The Chenab Rail Bridge is officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is opened for both passenger and freight train services, marking a historic milestone in Indian railway history.

Engineering Marvel in Hostile Terrain

The Chenab Rail Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity overcoming nature’s toughest challenges. The bridge’s construction site sits in a high seismic zone, with unpredictable geology, steep cliffs, and extreme weather. Engineers faced daunting obstacles: landslides, high wind speeds (up to 266 km/h), and the logistical nightmare of transporting 25,000 tons of steel—three times more than the Eiffel Tower—into the remote mountains

Key Technical Details

Feature	Specification
Height	359 meters above riverbed
Length	1,315 meters
Arch Span	467 meters
Deck Width	13.5 meters
Steel Used	25,000–28,000 tonnes (thrice the Eiffel Tower)
Concrete Used	66,000 cubic meters
Seismic Zone	Zone V (highest risk)
Wind Resistance	Up to 266 km/h
Blast Resistance	Withstands 40 kg TNT explosion
Lifespan	Estimated 120 years

Engineering Ingenuity at Its Finest

The Chenab Rail Bridge isn’t just an engineering record—it’s a bold expression of what’s possible when innovation meets determination.

• A Strong, Flexible Arch: The main structure is built with two giant steel ribs, filled with concrete and sealed—designed not just to hold weight but to adapt to stress and movement. This design gave the bridge unmatched strength while keeping it light enough to span the deep gorge.
• Massive Cable Cranes at Work: Placing steel segments over the Chenab River was never going to be easy. That’s why some of the world’s largest cable cranes were used, helping engineers lift and place components with precision across a challenging, windy valley.
• First-of-its-Kind Deck Construction: What made this even more ambitious was building the bridge deck on a curve—a first for any bridge in India. It meant every stage had to be carefully planned and executed in sequence. There was no room for error.
• Global Expertise, Local Execution: While this is a proud moment for India, it was also an international effort. Experts from Norway, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland worked alongside Indian Railways and Afcons Infrastructure. From advanced wind tunnel tests to seismic stability checks—every detail was handled with global-level care.

Transforming Lives in Jammu and Kashmir

This bridge isn’t just about trains and steel—it’s about people.

• Boosting National Security: The location isn’t random. This bridge makes it easier and faster for Indian forces to move troops and supplies to the country’s northern borders—something that’s crucial for national defense.
• Fueling Local Economies: Better connections mean better business. Travel times are down. Markets are closer. And thousands of people now have access to jobs, healthcare, and education. During construction alone, over 500 lakh man-days of employment were created—directly improving countless lives.
• Tourism That Can Thrive: With its soaring arch and panoramic views, the bridge is set to become a landmark attraction. Tourists are already making plans to see it up close—and that’s good news for local communities.
• Connecting Forgotten Villages: The real impact goes beyond the bridge itself. More than 205 km of roads, 320 small bridges, and a key railway tunnel now link 73 remote villages to the outside world. For around 1.5 lakh residents, it means shorter walks to school, quicker access to doctors, and the ability to sell goods in nearby towns.

A Journey of Setbacks, Hope, and Grit

This wasn’t a smooth ride. The idea of the Chenab Bridge was first floated back in the 1980s. But over the years, work started and stopped multiple times—due to safety concerns, legal hurdles, and major design revisions. For a long time, it felt like the project might never happen.

In 2017, satellite images only showed the early groundwork. By 2022, the steel arch had taken shape, rising above the river. And in 2025, it was finally complete—strong, proud, and exactly as imagined.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut the ribbon, it wasn’t just the opening of a bridge. It was a tribute to everyone who made it happen—the workers who braved the harsh weather, the engineers who found new solutions, and the communities who kept believing it was possible.

Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Record

This bridge is already making headlines for being the highest railway bridge in the world. But its real legacy lies in what it unlocks for the region and the country.

It’s proof that even the most remote, difficult terrains can be overcome with collaboration, courage, and commitment. It brings people closer—connecting dreams, homes, and opportunities. It shows what’s possible when we build not just for today, but for the future.

The Chenab Rail Bridge is more than a feat of engineering. It’s a symbol of hope, unity, and the kind of progress that touches lives in real ways.

Project initiation and development

The USBRL project was approved in 2002 as a national priority to improve the region’s infrastructure. The Chenab Rail Bridge was one of the most ambitious components of the project due to its scale and the technical challenges involved. Construction of the bridge began in 2004, and it quickly became apparent that several engineering challenges would have to be overcome to complete the structure, including:

• Geological and Seismic Challenges: The region’s geological instability and high seismic activity required the bridge to be designed with robust structural integrity and advanced seismic resistance features.
• High Wind Speeds: The bridge’s design had to account for the region’s high wind speeds, necessitating aerodynamic considerations and wind-resistant construction techniques.
• Accessibility and Logistics: The remote location of the bridge site posed logistical challenges, including transporting heavy materials and equipment to the construction site through difficult terrain.

Engineering and design innovations

To address these challenges, the Chenab Rail Bridge project incorporated several engineering and design innovations:

• Arch design: The bridge features a massive steel arch, the largest of its kind, which provides the strength and stability needed to cross the Chenab River. The arch design also allows the bridge to withstand high winds and seismic forces.
• Cable-crane technology: Innovative cable-crane technology was used to connect the bridge components, ensuring precision and safety in construction.
• Use of high-strength materials: The bridge was constructed using high-strength steel and concrete to ensure durability and longevity.

5. Materials and Techniques Used

• Steel: Approximately 25,000 metric tons of steel were used in the construction, ensuring strength and durability.
• Concrete: High-strength concrete was utilized for the foundations and piers.
• Advanced Fabrication: Components were fabricated using advanced techniques and transported to the site for assembly.
• Cable-Crane Technology: A unique cable-crane technology was employed to erect the arch and position the segments.

Safety and Durability Measures

• Seismic Dampers: Installed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the impact on the structure.
• Wind Shields: Designed to protect the bridge from high wind speeds.
• Regular Inspections: Scheduled inspections and maintenance ensure the long-term durability of the bridge.

Construction of Approach Roads

• Over 205 km of approach roads, including 1 tunnel and 320 bridges.
• Connectivity to 73 remote villages, benefitting around 1.5 lakh people.
• Improved access for vehicles, replacing foot or boat travel.
• PMGSY roads branching from these approach roads.

8. Conclusion

This bridge isn’t just about steel and stone—it’s a symbol of unity, perseverance, and the power of vision,” said PM Modi. Its design and construction reflect the ingenuity and skill of civil engineers, making it a landmark project that will serve as an important transportation link for generations to come.