Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, as well as the Anji Bridge and other development projects totaling over ₹46,000 crore, in Jammu & Kashmir today. During his visit, PM Modi addressed a large assembly and designated the Chenab Bridge as a symbol of new India's technical excellence, saying, "People travel to Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower. But the Chenab Bridge, which stands much taller, is a miracle that the entire world should witness."
What Makes the Chenab Bridge So Special? The world's tallest railway arch bridge: The bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River, 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower, and is officially the world's highest railway bridge. Part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): The bridge is an important component of the USBRL project, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via rail — a game-changing move for mobility and logistics in the area. The bridge is designed to resist earthquakes of magnitude 8 and winds of up to 260 km/h, demonstrating advanced safety features.
Architectural marvels: The Chenab Bridge, a steel and concrete hybrid structure spanning 1.3 km, redefines what infrastructure is achievable in one of the world's harshest environments.
Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-supported railway bridge and another USBRL project highlight. The Anji Bridge is unique in its use of a single central tower to support cables that sustain the deck, making it suitable for the harsh terrain and steep canyons of Jammu and Kashmir.
USBRL Project: Bridging Distances and Dreams The formal dedication of the USBRL project to the country completes Kashmir's rail connectivity to the Indian mainland. PM Modi stated that the region will be known not only for its beauty, but also for bold infrastructure and historical transformation.
Finally, these historic developments bring Jammu & Kashmir closer to India, both geographically and economically. The Chenab and Anji bridges are more than just engineering marvels; they represent togetherness, ambition, and creativity.
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