The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project will be completed when the Indian Prime Minister formally opens the Chenab Railway Bridge

Regarding the Chenab Railway Bridge:

What does it refer to?

A railway bridge constructed with a steel arch spans the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir.

Acknowledged as the highest railway bridge in the world, standing at 359 meters—35 meters exceeding the height of the Eiffel Tower.

Location:

Located between the villages of Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.

Constitutes an essential component of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Links Katra with Sangaldan, providing railway access to Srinagar.

Who Constructed It?

Carried out by Konkan Railway Corporation.

Built by a joint venture of Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction (South Korea), and VSL India.

Main Characteristics of the Bridge:

Total Length: 1,315 meters (530 m access + 785 m principal arch).

Wind Tolerance: Up to 266 km/h and capable of withstanding earthquakes (up to magnitude 8).

Temperature Resistance: Down to –20°C.

Explosion-Resistant: Crafted to withstand blasts comparable to 40 tons of TNT.

Life expectancy: 120 years and trains can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Importance:

Strategic Significance: Enhances links to Kashmir, a region sensitive to border issues.

Engineering Achievement: Among the most intricate landscapes and constructed in a high seismic area (Zone V) featuring broken geological formations.

Enhances National Unity: Ensures continuous rail connectivity to the Valley.

Civil Engineering Milestone: Represents India’s progress in infrastructure and strength.

Tourism & Economic Expansion: Encourages local growth and job creation.