Inaugural passenger train on Chenab Bridge this week

World’s highest rail arch bridge harbinger of new era for J&K

Tourism

January 23, 2025

/ By / New Delhi

Inaugural passenger train on Chenab Bridge this week

Chenab Bridge is 35 metres taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower, earning it the title of the world’s highest rail arch bridge (Photo: Ministry of Railway)

Towering above the Chenab River in Jammu's Reasi district, the world’s highest rail arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, will be used by a regular passenger train for the first time on Sunday marking a historic leap in connectivity, engineering brilliance and regional transformation.

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As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, a historic moment is set to unfold in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. The first-ever train journey from Delhi to Baramulla, traversing the iconic Chenab Bridge, promises not only to redefine connectivity but also to stand as a testament to India’s engineering prowess. While much has been said about the bridge’s record-breaking height, its significance goes far beyond statistics.

The Chenab Bridge, conceived in 2008, serves as a vital link between the villages of Bakkal and Kauri in Jammu’s Reasi district, seamlessly connecting Katra to Banihal. This engineering marvel is an integral part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a USD 4.2 billion infrastructure project designed to overcome the region’s challenging topography and weather conditions to improve connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chenab Bridge has not only brought visibility but also tangible economic benefits (Photo: Ministry of Railway)

Chenab Bridge has not only brought visibility but also tangible economic benefits (Photo: Ministry of Railway)

The bridge itself, constructed at a cost of approximately USD 1.7 billion, is a testament to modern engineering. Towering 359 m,  above the riverbed, the Chenab Bridge is 35 metres taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower, earning it the title of the world’s highest rail arch bridge. Designed for a projected lifespan of 120 years, the bridge exemplifies resilience and durability, ensuring its role as a crucial transportation corridor for generations to come.

Beyond its physical grandeur, the Chenab Bridge underscores the strategic and economic commitment to integrating the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the nation, fostering development and accessibility where nature has historically posed significant barriers.

For decades, the villages of Bakkal and Kauri have remained obscure names on the map. Nestled in the shadows of the towering Himalayas, these settlements were known only to the locals and occasional wanderers. The arrival of the Chenab Bridge, however, has brought these villages into the limelight, turning them into points of curiosity.

“Before this bridge was built, Bakkal was an unknown place. Nobody outside of our immediate region knew about our existence. People would rarely visit, and there was no reason for anyone to talk about us. But now, everything has changed. The bridge has not only made our village known across the country but also given us a sense of pride. It feels incredible to see people from different parts of India and even abroad coming here to see the bridge. They talk about our village as if it is part of something extraordinary. This recognition is something we could never have imagined a few years ago,” Fatah Begum, a resident of Bakkal village tells Media India Group.

The construction of the Chenab Bridge has not only brought visibility but also tangible economic benefits.

“Earlier, our land was worth nothing. No one wanted to buy land here, but now it is a different story. The value of our land has skyrocketed, and people are interested in investing here,” Zahid Malik, a lawyer tells Media India Group.

Chenab Bridge underscores the strategic and economic commitment to integrating the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir (Photo: Ministry of Railway)

Chenab Bridge underscores the strategic and economic commitment to integrating the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir (Photo: Ministry of Railway)

The bridge’s presence has created a ripple effect, driving up property values and spurring development in the region. Shops, eateries, and small guesthouses are cropping up to cater to the growing number of visitors. Locals believe that once the train service starts, the influx of tourists will multiply, turning their villages into burgeoning hubs of activity.

“We never thought our village could become a tourist spot,” Bashir Ahmed, a local shopkeeper, tells Media India Group.

“Last year, many people came to see the bridge. With the train starting, I am sure even more will come. We are preparing to host them and show them the beauty of our area,” Ahmed tells Media India Group.

For Ahmed and others like him, the Chenab Bridge is not just an architectural wonder but a lifeline that has the potential to change their lives. The increased footfall is inspiring locals to explore new opportunities from tourism-related ventures to handicrafts and regional cuisine that could pave the way for sustainable livelihoods.

Ahmed’s words echo the sentiment of many locals who have witnessed their villages transform from neglected outposts to areas of interest. As news of the Chenab Bridge spread, so did curiosity about the communities surrounding it. Tourists, journalists, and infrastructure enthusiasts have flocked to the region, eager to see the engineering marvel and explore the untouched beauty of the area.

Designed by German firm LAP, with viaduct design by WSFP Finland Limited and proof consultancy by a UK firm, the Chenab Bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a fortress. In collaboration with the DRDO, the bridge has been made blast-proof and can withstand high-velocity winds of up to 266 kph at deck level. It is also built to endure extreme weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -40°C.

The construction process, which began in 2005 and gained momentum after 2013, involved the use of 29,000 metric tonnes of steel, over 10 million cubic metres of earthwork, 66,252 cubic metres of concrete, and 84 km of rock bolts and cable anchors. At its peak in 2017, the project employed around 3,200 workers and engineers, with a small colony of 52 residential blocks set up to facilitate uninterrupted work.

The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge marks a transformative moment for Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing connectivity and opening new avenues for tourism and economic growth. This architectural marvel has already begun to reshape the region, bringing visibility and opportunity to previously remote villages. With the commencement of regular train services, the bridge will continue to drive development and prosperity for the local communities.

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