Today, India marks a landmark in the history of infrastructure development, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates two of the nation’s most significant engineering marvels: the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. He will also flags off the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar, giving a way to the new era of high-speed, comfortable rail travel in the region.
#WATCH | J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Chenab bridge – the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also present.#KashmirOnTrack
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— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2025
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The Vande Bharat Train, which is specially designed to sustain the brutal climate in Kashmir, launched to reduce the travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just 3 hours. It’s not just about the new train but also about how the infrastructure is growing day by day. The route, built as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, is now fully modernised, updated, and integrated with the national railway grid.
Chenab Rail Bridge: A Global Record-Holder
At a towering height of 359 meters above the riverbed—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower—the Chenab Rail Bridge is officially the world’s highest railway bridge. Spanning 1,315 meters, this steel arch structure has been designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h, seismic activity, and extreme temperatures. With a life expectancy of 120 years, the ₹1,486 crore project showcases India’s engineering excellence and resilience in some of the most difficult terrains.
Anji Khad Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge
Nearby, the Anji Khad Bridge stretches 725 meters across the Anji River, with a main pylon rising 193 meters. Supported by 96 high-tensile cables and equipped with a structural health monitoring system, the bridge is made according to the complex geology and weather conditions in Jammu & Kashmir. The bridge not only adds aesthetic value with its lighting design but also ensures long-term durability through high-tech construction materials and engineering innovation.
These projects represent more than just technical victories, they show the slow yet productive shift toward inclusive growth and connectivity for Jammu & Kashmir. Once isolated by terrain and climate, the region is now entering a new phase of economic and social integration, driven by world-class infrastructure.
