Towering 359 meters above the Chenab River, the Chenab Bridge is now the world’s tallest railway arch bridge—and a triumph of Indian engineering. Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, this marvel finally connects Kashmir to the rest of India by rail after 42 years of effort. On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat trains between Srinagar and Katra, marking a new era of seamless travel and national integration. Built in one of the most challenging terrains, the bridge is more than just infrastructure—it’s a bold symbol of unity, progress, and the promise of a connected India.

The Construction of This Engineering Marvel! 

Built at a cost of around Rs 1,400 crore, the Chenab Bridge is a 1,315-meter steel arch and concrete structure, consisting of a 530-meter approach bridge and a 785-meter deck arch bridge. The bridge's construction was a massive undertaking, with several challenges to overcome. One of the biggest hurdles was building the bridge without obstructing the flow of the Chenab River. Additionally, the absence of any road link to the site made it difficult to transport heavy machinery and materials. Despite these challenges, the construction team, led by Afcons Infrastructure, South Korea-based Ultra Construction & Engineering Company, and VSL India, successfully completed the project.

A Wonder: Design and Safety Features 

The Chenab Bridge is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, and high-intensity explosions. Its steel structure can withstand temperatures up to -20 degree C and wind speeds up to 266 km per hour. The bridge is also designed to handle train speeds up to 100 km per hour and can withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter Scale. Moreover, it can even withstand high-intensity explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT. The bridge's deck is located on a transition curve with changing radius, making its construction a complex task. The use of sophisticated Tekla software helped in building 3D models of the bridge, ensuring precision and accuracy.

A New Era in Rail Connectivity

The Chenab Bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) project  359 meters above the Chenab River , which aims to connect Kashmir with the rest of India via trains. The project, which began 42 years ago, is a significant milestone in India's rail infrastructure development. 

With the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, Prime Minister Modi will also flag off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Srinagar and Katra, marking a new era in rail connectivity in the region. 

The bridge's lifespan is designed to be 120 years, ensuring a safe and reliable transportation system for generations to come. sanctioned in 1994-95 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore and later declared a National Project in 2002. After overcoming numerous technical challenges and witnessing significant milestones, including the opening of the Jammu-Udhampur section in 2005 and the inauguration of the Pir Panjal Tunnel in 2013, the project is set to revolutionize connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. With an estimated total cost of Rs 44,000 crore, the Katra-Banihal section alone requiring an investment of Rs 15,836 crore, this rail link will shrink distances, boost tourism, and strengthen economic ties with the rest of India. 

Boosting Tourism and Connectivity: The Chenab Bridge's Impact

The Chenab Bridge is set to be a game-changer for the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir, providing seamless connectivity to the picturesque Kashmir Valley. By establishing a direct rail link, the bridge will make it easier for tourists to visit popular destinations like Srinagar, Katra, and other nearby attractions, thereby boosting local economies and promoting cultural exchange. This increased accessibility will not only enhance the overall tourist experience but also open up new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development in the region. 

For India, the Chenab Bridge is important as it will strengthen national integration and promote unity by connecting the Kashmir region with the rest of the country. From a railways perspective, the bridge showcases India's engineering prowess and highlights the potential for innovative infrastructure development, setting a new benchmark for future projects. Overall, the Chenab Bridge is a vital link that will have far-reaching benefits for tourism, economy, and national connectivity.