On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge—the Chenab Rail Bridge—marking a landmark moment in India’s infrastructure development, especially in the strategically vital region of Jammu and Kashmir. This grand event took place amid heightened security and widespread public enthusiasm, symbolizing India’s engineering excellence and commitment to regional integration.

The Chenab Bridge is a key segment of the ambitious Udhampur-Banihal railway project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley more efficiently with the rest of India. With a total project cost of ₹1,486 crore, this engineering marvel stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions for over 120 years.

Inauguration Highlights

Alongside the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, another vital link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This infrastructure will dramatically improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, enabling easier movement of people and goods.

The event was graced by dignitaries including Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Flagging Off the Vande Bharat Express

PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express on the newly operational Katra-Srinagar route. This train, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as heating for sub-zero temperatures, entry-freezing technology, rotating seats, and USB charging ports, will reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to just 24 hours.

The train runs six days a week with four daily trips. For instance, Train No. 26401 departs Katra at 8:10 AM, arriving in Srinagar by 11:08 AM with a stop at Banihal. The fares are reasonably set with the chair car at ₹715 and executive class at ₹1,320, offering passengers an improved travel experience with local and vegetarian meals served onboard.

Engineering Excellence and Collaboration

The Chenab Rail Bridge is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between several Indian institutions and companies, showcasing the country’s prowess in engineering and technology:

• VSL India and Afcons Infrastructure led the design and construction.

• The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore contributed to foundation protection techniques.

• IIT Delhi provided critical slope stability analysis.

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) enhanced the bridge’s blast-proof capabilities.

• International expertise came from WSP Group (Finland) for viaduct and foundation design and Leonhardt Andra (Germany) for the iconic arch design.

This collective effort underscores India's ability to combine global knowledge with domestic talent, delivering world-class infrastructure in challenging terrains.

Strategic and Economic Impact

The inauguration is not just a technical feat but a critical step in improving the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Enhanced rail connectivity is expected to:

• Boost trade and commerce by facilitating faster, safer transport routes.

• Spur tourism growth by making the region more accessible.

• Encourage industrial development by improving logistics and infrastructure.

• Strengthen national integration and security by better connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.

Visit Schedule and Engagements

During his visit, PM Modi interacted with the USBRL project team and engineers behind this transformative infrastructure. He visited the Chenab Bridge site, followed by the Anji Bridge, and addressed a public rally at Katra Stadium before departing for Delhi.

This inauguration symbolizes a new era of modern, resilient infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing India’s commitment to regional connectivity, economic development, and engineering innovation.

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