Updated On: 04 June, 2025 03:24 PM IST
On June 6th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a remarkable piece of infrastructure — the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Minister for the Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, confirmed the inauguration on June 3. Built in the Reasi district as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project, this bridge is a major step forward in connecting the region with the rest of the country. The Chenab Bridge stands 359 metres above the Chenab River — that’s taller than the Eiffel Tower. Spanning a total length of 1,315 metres, it is a true achievement in modern engineering. Designed to handle the challenges of the region — including seismic activity, landslides, and extreme weather — the bridge can withstand wind speeds up to 266 km/h and temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C. It was built using over 28,000 tonnes of steel and more than 66,000 cubic metres of concrete. This shows not just the scale of the project, but the effort and expertise that went into making it a reality. With the bridge now complete, travel time between Katra and Srinagar will be reduced to just 3 hours, making journeys smoother and faster for everyone. But the Chenab Bridge also has strategic importance. It’s designed to carry heavy military equipment, allowing for quick movement of defence forces to border areas — a key factor given recent security challenges, including the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This bridge is more than a transport link — it represents progress, security, and better connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir and for the nation.
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