Our Bureau
Srinagar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on June 6, marking a transformative moment for the region’s connectivity and economic prospects.The inauguration will also see the launch of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train service, a move anticipated to revitalize tourism and commerce in the Kashmir Valley, especially in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and disrupted the tourist season.
Standing 359 metres above the riverbed—35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower—the Chenab Rail Bridge is an engineering marvel and the tallest railway bridge in the world. Spanning 1.31 km and constructed with over 28,000 tonnes of steel, the bridge is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high wind speeds up to 266 km/h, and even the highest-intensity earthquakes. The bridge is a central component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-km project that traverses some of the most challenging Himalayan terrain, featuring 943 bridges and 36 major tunnels, including India’s longest railway tunnel at 12.77 km.
The Chenab bridge’s completion is especially significant for Kashmir’s economy and security. The region, often isolated during harsh winters, will now benefit from year-round transport of goods, medical supplies, and easier tourist access. Traders, particularly apple growers, will be able to send their produce to Delhi within a day, boosting local livelihoods. The new Vande Bharat train, specially equipped for Kashmir’s climate, is expected to further enhance comfort and reliability for travelers.
The timing of the inauguration sends a strong message of resilience and development following the Pahalgam attack, which had cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism industry.
