In a moment of national pride and engineering excellence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today officially inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, spanning the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The awe-inspiring structure, a marvel of modern engineering, stands 359 meters above the Chenab River—making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. At 467 meters above sea level, the bridge now holds the distinction of being the highest railway bridge in the world.
With a total length of 1,300 meters, the bridge allows trains to travel at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, and is built to withstand high wind speeds, earthquakes, and extreme weather conditions. The project, which has taken 22 years to complete, was constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore and used more than 29,000 metric tons of steel. Marking the historic occasion, Prime Minister Modi hoisted the national flag atop the bridge and walked across it, calling the experience both emotional and symbolic of India's growing infrastructure capabilities. He later boarded a special train to officially commence rail operations on the newly opened route.
“This is not just a bridge; it is a symbol of India’s resolve, innovation, and commitment to connect every corner of the country,” said Prime Minister Modi during the ceremony. “It reflects the aspirations of New India and brings Jammu and Kashmir closer to the national mainstream.” The inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge is part of the Prime Minister’s broader visit to Jammu and Kashmir, during which he is launching and dedicating several key development projects aimed at boosting regional infrastructure and connectivity.
The Chenab Bridge is a central component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the Indian railway network. Once fully operational, the USBRL is expected to transform travel and logistics in the region, enhancing both economic activity and national security. With its record-breaking height and advanced design, the Chenab Railway Bridge not only sets new global benchmarks in railway engineering but also serves as a powerful symbol of India’s infrastructure transformation.