Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge on June 6. Often described as an engineering marvel and a symbol of Naya Kashmir, the bridge stands tall as a testament to modern India’s technical strength.

Located in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This ambitious project aims to improve rail connectivity in the region.

World’s Tallest Railway Arch Bridge

Chenab Bridge holds the record for being the highest railway arch bridge in the world. It rises 359 metres above the Chenab River—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge stretches 1,315 metres long, built in the mountainous Kouri region of Reasi.

DD News posted a video showing the Chenab Bridge's features as the world's highest railway arch bridge is now a reality! Spanning the Chenab River in J&K, it symbolizes India’s infrastructural excellence.

History in the making!

The Chenab Bridge—the world's highest railway arch bridge—is now a reality! Spanning the Chenab River in J&K, it symbolizes India’s infrastructural excellence.

Prime Minister @narendramodi is all set to inaugurate the world’s highest railway bridge — the… pic.twitter.com/G43Dgiagvu

— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 4, 2025

Global Design, Indian Execution

Designed by WSP Finland, with arch support from Germany’s Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, and pylon input from Vienna Consulting Engineers, the bridge is the product of international teamwork. However, it was Konkan Railway engineers and workers who brought the design to life in India.

Massive Construction Effort

The construction involved:

• 28,660 metric tonnes of steel

• 10 lakh cubic metres of earthwork

• 66,000 metres of concrete

• 26 km of new motorable roads

The arch alone weighs 10,619 metric tonnes. Building this giant required an investment of ₹1,456 crore and the work of 3,200 engineers and labourers at its peak.

High-Speed Travel with Safety in Focus

Once operational, trains will run on the Chenab Bridge at speeds up to 100 kmph. Engineers have added every safety measure to ensure smooth and secure travel.

Earthquake and Blast Resistance

The Chenab Bridge is not only tall but also incredibly strong. Engineers from IIT Roorkee studied the geology and designed slope reinforcement techniques such as grouting, anchor blocking, and shotcrete to protect the structure.

To absorb shock from earthquakes, the bridge’s rail deck is separated from its base using spherical bearings. Thanks to this design, the bridge can handle quakes up to magnitude 8.0 and wind speeds of 266 km/h.

According to R.K. Hegde, Chief Engineer at Konkan Railways,

“It can withstand high-intensity blasts of up to 40 kg of TNT and an earthquake. Even after the blast, a train can run at a speed on 30 kmh.”

He added that the bridge uses 63 mm-thick special blast-proof steel, which is essential given Jammu and Kashmir’s security risks.

“It is for the first time that self-compacting concrete is being used for filling steel boxes and ends of plate girders,” he explained.

Digital Tools and Long-Term Durability

The bridge was designed using Tekla Structures, a 3D software tool that helps engineers build accurate steel and concrete models. It improved precision and efficiency during construction.

To extend the bridge’s estimated 120-year lifespan, builders applied corrosion-resistant paint. The bridge also features a real-time online safety monitoring system to detect and report potential issues immediately.

Years of Delays and Determined Progress

The journey to completion was long. Construction started in 2004, but alignment and safety concerns stalled progress. Work resumed in 2010 after redesigning some parts.

Engineers completed the arch-to-deck connection in April 2021, and the final deck link in August 2022.

Then, in June 2023, Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run of an eight-coach MEMU train. It started from Sangaldan at 12:35 pm and reached Reasi at 2:05 pm, covering nine tunnels over 40.78 km, including Tunnel T-44, which is 11.13 km long—the longest on the route.

A New Chapter for Jammu & Kashmir

With its massive height, global design, and advanced safety features, the Chenab Bridge is more than just a railway structure. It represents progress, national pride, and a new era of connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir.