SRINAGAR: In a monumental milestone for Indian Railways, a test train successfully ran at 110 kmph on the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
This achievement marks a significant step toward making the much-anticipated Jammu-Srinagar railway line operational.
Dubbed as an engineering marvel, the Chenab Bridge stands at an astounding height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height.
The bridge forms a critical part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through a seamless railway network.
Railway officials hailed the successful test run as a historic moment, emphasizing the bridge’s ability to withstand high-speed trains and challenging weather conditions.
The 1.3-kilometer-long bridge has been designed to handle extreme wind speeds of up to 266 kmph and seismic activities, making it a benchmark for innovation and resilience.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the engineers, workers, and officials involved in the project, stating, “This is a proud day for India and a giant leap toward transforming connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Once operational, the Jammu-Srinagar rail line is expected to drastically reduce travel time and boost economic development in the region.
It will also serve as a lifeline for locals, improving access to essential services and markets.
The commissioning of the Chenab Bridge brings the Indian Railways closer to achieving its vision of integrating the Kashmir Valley into the national railway network, with full operations expected by mid-2025.
