4 days Ago By Cassian Baliarsingh
The Chenab Bridge, standing proudly in the visually arresting expanse of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir , is the world's tallest railway bridge. Towering above the serene waters of the Chenab River at 359 metres (1,178 feet), the bridge even surpasses the height of Paris’s Eiffel Tower. In an exclusive visit, OTV Executive Editor, Radhamadhab Mishra landed on the world’s highest single-arch rail bridge and covered the ongoing finishing works before its trial run, expected in January.
If everything goes well, the first trial run will be held on January 5, 2025. Speaking to OTV, Sujoy Kumar, Deputy Chief Engineer, Konkan Railway said, “This bridge is India’s first railway cable-stayed bridge and plays a crucial role in the country’s transport landscape, soaring above even the renowned Eiffel Tower. This is the first steps towards connecting railways in the entire country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
” “Most importantly, the entire bridge has been built only by Indians,” he added. Framed against Jammu and Kashmir ’s dramatic mountainous backdrop, Chenab Bridge serves as a vital link, fostering economic growth and accessibility in the region. Beyond its impressive height, the Chenab Bridge is pivotal for both military and civilian movements.
The bridge, robustly designed to withstand seismic forces as well as wind up to 260km/hr. As per OTV findings, the use of specialised steel supplied by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) ensures the structure is resistant to blasts. The materials used are such that the bridge does not require internal painting, adding to its longevity.
Officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2020, this engineering wonder forms a crucial part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line and took more than 20 years for Indian Railways for completion. The bridge's story began with its approval in 2003, with construction commencing in 2008. However, due to local security concerns, work was paused and resumed in 2010.
An intensified focus by the central government accelerated progress from 2018, targeting completion by 2019. By 2023, the bridge was completed with tracks laid and trial runs underway by March that year. The bridge ultimately saw its first train cross successfully in June 2024.
The construction process was a joint effort involving scientists and experts from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the DRDO, and international specialists, all contributing to its resilience against natural disasters and man-made impacts..
