What’s Special about the Chenab Railway Bridge?

Perched 359 metres above the swirling waters of the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir, the Chenab Rail Bridge stands not just as a physical structure, but as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and ambition. Recognised as the world’s highest railway bridge, it surpasses even the Eiffel Tower in height, and marks a historic leap forward in the country’s railway infrastructure.

The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a critical initiative of Indian Railways designed to integrate Kashmir with the national railway network. Stretching 1,315 metres in length, the bridge features a massive steel arch, making it not only tall but also an extraordinary example of modern railway bridge engineering. Designed to withstand seismic activity and wind speeds up to 266 km/h, it’s built with weathering steel to resist the challenging Himalayan environment, ensuring longevity and stability.

One of the most significant transformations this bridge promises is in regional connectivity. Upon full operationalisation, trains like the Vande Bharat will reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just three hours, slicing off nearly 2–3 hours from the current route. This not only aids locals but also boosts tourism, economic activity, and the movement of goods and services through the Pir Panjal range.

The bridge’s arch spans a staggering 467 metres, and the overall project has involved over 28,000 metric tonnes of steel, employing more than 1,300 workers and 300 engineers across a decade. Special high-tensile steel and advanced structural designs ensure the bridge remains stable under extreme conditions, including earthquakes and landslides.

But Chenab Bridge does not stand alone in its grandeur. Nearby, another architectural triumph—the Anji Khad Bridge—has taken shape. Notably, it is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, designed to traverse the rugged Anji River valley. With a single pylon towering at 193 metres, Anji Bridge uses 96 cables to support a 725-metre deck. It, too, plays a critical role in the USBRL, bridging difficult terrains previously considered inaccessible by conventional rail infrastructure.

Together, the Chenab and Anji bridges represent a paradigm shift in railway engineering, blending advanced technology with resilience. These bridges are vital for strategic and civilian mobility, especially in a region that experiences heavy snowfall, landslides, and seismic activity.

The bridges also signify the Indian government’s focussed investment in infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with broader goals of national integration and economic development. The combined cost of the USBRL project is estimated to be over Rs 11,000 crore, with a significant share allocated to these two structures.

With test runs already underway and commercial operations expected to follow soon, the dream of a seamless railway journey from Jammu to Srinagar is fast becoming a reality. The Chenab Rail Bridge is not just a railway line—it is a symbol of India's resolve, engineering mastery, and commitment to connecting even the most remote corners of the country.