India is setting a new record in the transport system by building the world's highest rail bridge in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this miracle construction on June 6. Narendra Modi will inaugurate the bridge built on the famous Chenab River. Along with the bridge, the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service will also be made available. The total cost of this project is Rs. 46,000 crore. Built at a height of 359 meters over the Chenab River, this bridge stands as a symbol of amazing engineering skills. This bridge is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and almost five times higher than the Qutub Minar. It has set records as the world's highest railway bridge. This bridge is located 600 km north of New Delhi.
Usher in a New Era of Growth
This is the first project to connect Kashmir with the rest of India by rail directly. It was built as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Project (USRL). The total length of the project is 272 km, which includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges. 30,000 metric tonnes of steel were used in the construction of the bridge. A base foundation (S20) is more than a third of a football field. The bridge can withstand winds of up to 250 kmph. It is designed to withstand earthquakes and wind conditions. The length of the steel arch bridge is 1,315 metres.
From Peaks to Progress!
The bridge will play a key role in improving connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Vande Bharat train running on the bridge will take about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar. This means that the current travel time is only 3 hours.
Prestigious Chinab railway project, which connects Kashmir with the rest of the states, is a reflection of Indian engineering prowess. It is going to be a game changer for Kashmir tourism. It will reduce the travel time from Kashmir to other places by 2-3 hours. This bridge is the first cable-stayed rail bridge in India. The vision behind the Chenab Bridge dates back to 1970. It aims to make tourism in the Kashmir Valley stronger than ever. This bridge was built by Indian companies Afkans Infrastructure, VSL India and a South Korean company in a joint venture.
Century-old Dream Fulfilled
Chinab Rail Bridge has century old history. Maharaja Pratap Singh laid the foundation stone for the Jammu-Srinagar rail link project on March 1, 1892. Later, Maharaja Ranbir Singh started the work again in 1898. Four routes were selected at that time to connect Punjab with Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley. The Jammu-Banihal route, the Jhelum Valley-Poonch route, the Rawalpindi-Jhelum Valley via Panjhar route, and the Abbottabad route from Kalako Serai in the upper Jhelum Valley via Hazara were proposed. Surveys were also undertaken for the construction of meter and broad gauge tracks. However, none of them materialized.
In 1905, the British rulers also examined the proposal of this project. Maharaja Pratap Singh agreed to the construction of a railway line between Jammu and Srinagar via Reasi. While it was planned to build a narrow gauge track to cross the Pir Panjal mountain range, these proposals also stalled.
However, in 1981, the then Central Government approved the Jammu-Udhampur Railway Link project. The final rail link project between Udhampur - Srinagar - Baramulla was sanctioned in 1994-95. The Central Government declared this railway line as a national project in 2002. With this, the project is now complete and ready for its inauguration.
The inauguration of a Chenab bridge along with the commencement of high-speed rail services to Kashmir can create wonders for Kashmir. The Railways have prepared a special Vande Bharat for the Valley. The train is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure safety and comfort in challenging weather conditions. It is equipped with overheat protection sensors to prevent water from freezing and ensures uninterrupted supply even at sub-zero temperatures. The inauguration of this bridge less than two months after the terrorist attack can be seen as a big message from the Centre. This bridge, and the trains passing through it, will carry tourists, equipment and a lot of hope for Kashmir.
Challenges During Construction Phase..
Construction of Chinab Rail Bridge project in an earthquake-prone area has become a big challenge. However, Indian engineers completed it with the highest quality. It reflects the Indian engineering expertise and the self-confidence of the new India.
Many interesting facts this bridge, which is 141 meters high, has created a record as the highest railway bridge in the world. The length of the steel arch bridge is 1,315 meters. 30 thousand metric tons of steel were used in the construction of the bridge.
The height of this railway bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The height of the Eiffel Tower is 324 meters. The height of this bridge is 359 meters.
It can also withstand winds of 250 kmph. With the construction of this bridge, railway connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir will increase. This will further develop the tourism sector.
The construction of this bridge in an earthquake-prone area is a testament to our country's engineering expertise.
Chenab Rail Bridge Highlights…
Cost of Rs. 46,000 crore.
Bridge is 395 metres high – a world record.
Height of the bridge is higher than the Eiffel Tower.
Length 272 km, 36 tunnels, 943 bridges.
30,000 metric tons of steel used.
Built to withstand winds of up to 250 kmph.
The bridge was originally scheduled to be inaugurated on April 19. However, the Prime Minister's visit was cancelled due to weather conditions. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, this project has become even more important in terms of national security.
