The Chenab Bridge is situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district and it is renowned as the world’s highest railway bridge. It’s a remarkable engineering marvel situated in the remote mountains. It sets to link Kashmir with India’s vast rail network. Spanning 1300 meters in length, this bridge is designed to endure for 120 years without needing any renovations. It is capable of withstanding wind gusts of up to 260 kilometers per hour.
Although the construction of the Chenab Bridge was finished in August 2022, train operations are scheduled to commence in 2024. The bridge is constructed over the Chenab River, also known as Chandrabagha and is originating from the Himalayan region and coursing through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan.
Constructing such massive structures in remote areas posed challenges, particularly in transporting construction materials through mountainous terrains and dense forests. The project required 25 thousand tons of steel, with the most striking feature being its bow-shaped design.
The pillars flanking the bridge stand as tall as a 50-storey building, exemplifying its architectural grandeur and engineering prowess. Engineered to withstand extreme conditions, the bridge can endure for over a century without needing refurbishments and remains resilient against severe wind forces.
Special earthquake-resistant steel has been employed, ensuring the project’s stability even in seismic regions. The steel is used as impervious to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, safeguarding the bridge against harsh weather conditions.
Initially proposed in 1905 to connect Srinagar with Jammu via railway, the project faced setbacks before being revived in 1995. It was not until recently that the need for a bridge over the Chenab was addressed. The entire undertaking entails a substantial investment of over 27,000 crore rupees.
The project encompasses the construction of a 111 km-long rail section, with tunnels constituting 97 percent of the route. By 2022, construction was nearly complete, heralding a significant milestone. Yet, anticipation remains high as we await the commencement of train services, marking a new era in connectivity for the Indian region.
