**World’s Highest Railway Bridge Inaugurated by PM Modi in Jammu and Kashmir**
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Chenab Railway Bridge, recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, on Friday. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in India’s infrastructure development. The bridge, towering at 359 meters above the Chenab River, exceeds the height of the Eiffel Tower and is a vital component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Additionally, the Prime Minister will unveil India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji, further enhancing connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the nation. This engineering feat has been over three decades in the making.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The Chenab Rail Bridge, an architectural marvel, spans 1,315 meters and showcases advanced engineering capabilities. Designed to endure extreme seismic activity and wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, it is built in a high-risk seismic zone. Notably, the bridge incorporates blast-resistant steel and concrete, highlighting its strategic significance and robust security features.
The Prime Minister will also dedicate the USBRL project to the nation, which the central government describes as one of the most ambitious railway initiatives in Independent India. Covering 272 kilometers and costing approximately Rs 43,780 crore, the project includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometers and 943 bridges. It aims to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, enhancing regional mobility and fostering socio-economic integration.
In addition, PM Modi will flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. These trains will offer a fast, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The inaugural passenger train will depart from Delhi, passing through Katra, the base for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
The vision of connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail was first proposed in the 1970s during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure. However, the project received formal approval in 1994 under her successor, P V Narasimha Rao. Substantial work commenced in 2002 when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government allocated funding for land acquisition, marking the official launch of this transformative project.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the Chenab Railway Bridge?**
The Chenab Railway Bridge is significant as it is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, enhancing connectivity in the region and showcasing advanced engineering capabilities.
