Image Source: Agencies

June 3, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, on June 6th, according to a Tuesday announcement made by Union Minister for the Department of Space Dr. Jitendra Singh. The bridge is a component of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
Dr. Singh broke the news in a post on X, writing, "History in the making. Only three days remain! The world's tallest railway bridge, the formidable Chenab Bridge, is located in Jammu and Kashmir. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) includes this section. designed to survive the harshest stresses seen in nature. On June 6, 2025, PM Modi will officially open the #ChenabBridge. A proud representation of the might and vision of New India!
This Katra-to-Sangaldan section would include the famous Chenab Railway Bridge, the tallest railway arch bridge in the world, which will provide a direct connection between New Delhi and Kashmir through Katra. The Chenab Bridge, an engineering wonder that rises 359 meters above the riverbed, is located in the Reasi area of Jammu and Kashmir.
For the first time in history, it will formally link the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India by train.
Due to the region's challenging terrain and seismic sensitivity, the project—which is a component of the planned Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)—faced several logistical and engineering difficulties. However, the bridge today serves as a tribute to India's technological superiority and dedication to inclusive development after years of painstaking work.
It promises increased connectivity, regional economic growth, and social integration, marking a turning point in India's infrastructure environment. A senior railway official had earlier praised the structural and engineering marvel of the recently built Chenab Bridge, describing it as a demonstration of New India's strength and will.
"If I talk about its features, its height is 359 meters, which is even more than that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris," the official was quoted as saying of the bridge. Second, this bridge is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. Thirdly, gusts over 250 kilometers per hour can be supported by this bridge."This is a steel bridge — I call it a 'fauladi bridge' because roughly 30,000 metric tons of steel have been utilized in its construction," the official continued, describing the size of the steel construction. The fact that S20, its largest foundation, is around one-third the area of a football pitch gives you a sense of how big it is. The spirit of New India is also reflected in this; it accomplishes what it envisions and resolves.
"This Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is approximately 272 kilometers long," he stated. Nearly 36 tunnels totaling approximately 119 km in length have been built out of this 272 km. This project includes a relatively high number of bridges, about 1,000. It takes years to build a single bridge. Approximately 1,000 bridges have been built here by highly qualified Indian railway engineers.
The official also mentioned the difficulties brought on by the area's susceptibility to earthquakes. This line crosses a fault zone, which is the intersection of two distinct geological zones. It is hence extremely sensitive to seismic activity. The security of the numerous tunnels is a serious worry. Therefore, live surveillance systems will be used to monitor the security of every inch of the bridges, railroads, and tunnels. There are control rooms at each station that will keep an eye on all adjacent tunnels and guarantee total security and safety.

Regarding the infrastructure and rail engine, he stated: "The railway engine is an electric engine that is powered by the Overhead Equipment (OHE)." Here, a brand-new OHE type has been fitted. Solid metal stanchions that pull energy will be used in place of conventional wire systems. This engineering was quite difficult.According to the authority, the railway survived challenging weather and geographic conditions.

Speaking of the challenges, the task was formerly thought to be unachievable, but it is now feasible. Whether it was the local geology or the weather, nothing worked in our favor."The railway built around 200 kilometers of roads so that construction material could be carried," he said, emphasizing the project's social significance. In addition to assisting the railway, this road became a permanent gift for isolated settlements where, in the past, residents had to walk 20–25 kilometers to get to a road. They can now easily access it.