India Reaches New Heights: PM Modi Inaugurates World’s Tallest Railway Arch Bridge in J&K
Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, June 6, 2025 – In a monumental stride for India’s infrastructure and connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge, majestically spanning the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. This historic event, part of his significant visit to the Union Territory, saw the dedication of various rail and development projects collectively valued at over ₹46,000 crore.
The ceremony, held in Katra, Jammu, saw prominent figures in attendance, including Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir; and Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, alongside other distinguished guests.
A Vision Realized: The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)
The newly inaugurated Chenab railway arch bridge is a pivotal component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, a transformative initiative designed to provide all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir valley and the rest of the nation. This ambitious project, built at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore, marks a new era for transportation in the region.
Engineering Marvels of USBRL
The USBRL project is a testament to India’s engineering prowess, featuring a remarkable array of structures and tunnels.
The Chenab Railway Arch Bridge: A Global Icon
Standing at an astonishing 359 meters above the Chenab riverbed, the Chenab Railway Arch Bridge proudly holds the title of the world’s tallest railway arch bridge. This architectural marvel is 35 meters taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower. Stretching for 1,315 meters with an impressive 467-meter arch span, the bridge seamlessly connects the Kauri and Bakkal areas of the Raesi district in Jammu and Kashmir. Built with an eye towards longevity, this engineering feat, constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, is designed to have a lifespan of 120 years, ensuring its service for generations to come.
Anji Khad Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge
Adding to the region’s engineering marvels is the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s very first cable-stayed railway bridge. This vital bridge forms an essential link along the Katra-Banihal section of the USBRL, gracefully spanning the scenic Anji River valley and enhancing connectivity through the region.
The bridge spans 725 meters with a main span of 290 meters and is positioned 331 meters above the riverbed, securely anchored by 96 high tensile cables.
Connectivity and Features of USBRL
The 272-kilometer long USBRL project is fully electrified, demonstrating a commitment to modern and efficient rail operations. The route traverses through 36 tunnels and crosses 934 bridges, showcasing the immense scale of the undertaking. One of the standout elements of the project is the T-50 tunnel — India’s longest functioning tunnel — stretching 12.77 kilometres between Khari and Sumber. This engineering feat greatly enhances the efficiency of the rail connection. The completion of this mega project is anticipated to be a watershed moment for regional development and national integration, promising to revolutionize mobility and improve the quality of life for the people of Kashmir.
Boosting Healthcare and Regional Development
Beyond rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. This significant initiative marks the establishment of the first medical college in the Raesi district of Jammu and Kashmir, promising to bolster healthcare services and medical education in the region.
Faster Travel with Vande Bharat Express
Further enhancing connectivity and modernizing the rail network, Prime Minister Modi flagged off two new Vande Bharat Express trains. One train will operate from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar, and the other will run from Srinagar to Katra. These advanced trains are specially equipped with silicone heating pads and a heating plumbing pipeline to ensure smooth operation even in the freezing temperatures of the Kashmir valley. The introduction of these high-speed trains is set to drastically reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar by nearly three hours, providing a significant boost to commuters and tourists alike.
Broader Infrastructure Development
During his comprehensive visit, the Prime Minister also emphasized the focus on improving road and traffic infrastructure in the border regions. He inaugurated several key projects aimed at easing movement, including the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara road on NH-701, the Shopian bypass on NH-444, and the construction of flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina junctions in Srinagar. These projects underscore a holistic approach to development, ensuring improved connectivity across various modes of transport.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, his first following Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, underscored the importance of security and development hand-in-hand. He interacted with engineers, laborers, and officials who played a key role in bringing these visionary projects to life, recognizing their commitment to linking Kashmir with the rest of India through rail connectivity and paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.
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FAQS:
Q1: On what date was the world’s highest railway arch bridge on the Chenab River inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
- A1: The bridge was inaugurated on June 6, 2025.
Q2: What is the name of the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and over which river is it built?
- A2: The bridge is called the Chenab Railway Arch Bridge, and it is built over the Chenab River.
Q3: What is the primary project that the Chenab railway arch bridge and the Anji Khad railway bridge are a part of?
- A3: They are part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Q4: What is the height of the Chenab Railway Arch Bridge above the riverbed?
- A4: It stands 359 meters above the Chenab riverbed.
Q5: What unique distinction does the Anji Khad Bridge hold in India’s railway infrastructure?
- A5: It is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Q6: What is the total estimated cost of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project?
- A6: The USBRL project is built at an estimated cost of ₹43,780 crore.
Q7: How long is India’s longest operational tunnel, T-50, which is part of the USBRL project, and in which section is it located?
- A7: The T-50 tunnel is 12.77 kilometers long and is located in the Khari-Sumber section.
Q8: What special features have been incorporated into the Vande Bharat Express trains operating in the Kashmir valley to ensure their smooth operation in freezing temperatures?
- A8: They have been equipped with silicone heating pads and a heating plumbing pipeline.
Q9: Besides the rail projects, what other significant healthcare infrastructure was inaugurated or had its foundation stone laid by PM Modi in Katra?
- A9: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the first medical college in the Raesi district.
Q10: What is the approximate lifespan of the Chenab Railway Arch Bridge, and what was its construction cost?
- A10: The bridge’s lifespan is 120 years, and it was built for approximately ₹1,486 crore.
