PM Modi to Inaugurate World’s Highest Railway Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir on June 6

Published On: June 4, 2025

Historic Milestone for Indian Railways: Chenab Bridge Set for Grand Inauguration

We are proud to report that on June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the world’s highest railway bridge—the Chenab Bridge—located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This architectural marvel, which towers over the Chenab River, is a pivotal part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. It stands as a symbol of India’s engineering excellence, determination, and strategic foresight.

Chenab Bridge: An Engineering Marvel in the Himalayas

The Chenab Railway Bridge spans 1,315 meters across the deep gorge of the Chenab River and reaches an impressive height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed—making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. Designed to withstand earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, the bridge has been constructed using approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of steel.

The bridge is a steel and concrete arch structure, built using advanced design principles and sophisticated construction techniques. Its arch has been developed to balance weight distribution across the steep Himalayan topography, offering both flexibility and durability. The bridge is part of a strategic plan to seamlessly connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.

Key Specifications and Strategic Importance

Height from riverbed: 359 meters
Length: 1,315 meters
Arch span: 467 meters
Deck width: 13.5 meters
Seismic resilience: Designed to withstand Zone-V level earthquakes
Wind resistance: Capable of resisting wind speeds up to 266 km/h
Materials used: Corrosion-resistant weathering steel and specially reinforced concrete
Construction timeline: Over two decades in the making

This mega infrastructure project has not only pushed the boundaries of civil engineering but has also become a symbol of national integration and regional development.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): Bridging Distances

The USBRL is a flagship rail project aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India through a reliable and all-weather railway line. With more than 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, the USBRL has overcome unprecedented engineering challenges, including complex geology, difficult terrain, and security concerns.

The Chenab Bridge is the most iconic component of this project and marks a major leap forward in executing India’s connectivity goals. Once operational, it will drastically reduce travel time between Katra and Banihal, enabling faster movement of goods and passengers.

Economic and Social Impact on Jammu & Kashmir

The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge is expected to be a turning point for economic development in Jammu & Kashmir. Improved connectivity will encourage:

Tourism growth in Kashmir, especially in pilgrimage hubs like Vaishno Devi and Amarnath.
Trade and logistics improvements, allowing for easier transportation of agricultural produce and handicrafts.
Employment generation, as new railway stations and logistics hubs create job opportunities.
Social integration, as enhanced accessibility promotes unity and a better quality of life.

Moreover, the bridge will play a strategic military role, offering the armed forces faster access to sensitive border areas, thereby enhancing national security.

Global Recognition and Technological Feats

Internationally, the Chenab Bridge has garnered attention for being the highest railway bridge in the world, overtaking the Beipanjiang Bridge in China. It is also among the few bridges globally to incorporate ROBOTIC welding, GPS-enabled monitoring, and state-of-the-art health monitoring systems to ensure long-term safety.

Advanced DRONE surveillance and sensor-based stress monitoring will ensure the bridge maintains optimal performance. The bridge has also passed rigorous safety tests, including load testing with multiple fully loaded goods trains.

Role of Indian Railways and Afcons Infrastructure

The execution of this colossal project has been spearheaded by Indian Railways in collaboration with Afcons Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Shapoorji Pallonji Group. The team faced extreme conditions—from temperatures below -20°C in winter to hostile terrain susceptible to landslides.

A highly skilled workforce, including more than 1,000 engineers and 10,000 workers, toiled around the clock to bring this vision to life. Despite delays due to natural and geopolitical hurdles, the project stands as a triumph of perseverance, precision, and patriotism.

Environmental and Sustainability Aspects

While the project involved significant construction, environmental sustainability was kept in focus. Multiple green zones were preserved, and strict protocols were implemented to avoid river pollution. The bridge uses weathering steel, which requires less maintenance and resists atmospheric corrosion naturally.

Energy-efficient systems, including solar lighting at key points, are part of the project. Special noise and vibration mitigation measures were implemented to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife in nearby forest areas.

Grand Inauguration Event Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the inauguration ceremony scheduled for June 6, 2025, amid elaborate celebrations. High-profile attendees include top officials from Indian Railways, Ministry of Defence, and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The event is expected to attract national and international media, underlining India’s infrastructural prowess and commitment to inclusive growth.

Future Vision: Towards a Fully Connected Kashmir

The successful commissioning of the Chenab Railway Bridge is a critical milestone in the broader roadmap to fully integrate Kashmir’s transport infrastructure. The next phases include:

Completion of Banihal-Katra and Srinagar-Baramulla connectivity upgrades.
Electrification of tracks to promote green rail mobility.
Introduction of semi-high-speed trains to further reduce travel time.
Development of new logistics parks and smart stations across the region.

The Chenab Railway Bridge is more than just a structure—it’s a monument of modern India, showcasing our technological, strategic, and human excellence. It stands tall as a beacon of unity, connecting a region long challenged by geographical and political isolation.

With its inauguration, India not only claims a world record but also sets the tone for future infrastructural ambitions, reaffirming that no terrain is too tough when the will to connect and grow is strong.