Chenab Railway Bridge

Chenab Railway Bridge Latest News

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Chenab railway bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge, marking a historic milestone in India’s infrastructure journey.

About Chenab Railway Bridge

• It is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is built at a cost of around ₹1,400 crore above the Chenab River.
• It is a vital part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL), aimed at connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country.
• It holds the record for the tallest railway arch bridge globally, with a deck height of 359 metres—35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower. 
• Spanning 1,315 metres, the structure includes a 785-metre arch and a 530-metre approach span, designed to traverse a deep gorge in the challenging Himalayan terrain. 
• The bridge is designed to last 120 years, capable of withstanding winds up to 266 km/h, earthquakes up to magnitude 8, and explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT. 
• It is engineered to endure extreme Himalayan climates, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°C and maintaining structural integrity in severe weather.

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Chenab Railway Bridge Project Execution

• Managed by Konkan Railway Corporation, the project was executed by Afcons Infrastructure, VSL India, and South Korea’s Ultra Construction & Engineering. 
• Steel Authority of India supplied the steel, and Swiss firm Mageba provided specialised bearings.
• Engineers used Tekla software to create precise 3D models, aiding accurate design and construction in a geologically complex region.
• The foundation and safety assessments were conducted by top Indian institutions. 
• IISc Bangalore designed the protective base, IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee handled seismic and slope analyses, while DRDO contributed to the bridge’s blast-resistant features.
• Construction required over 28,660 metric tonnes of steel and the creation of 26 kilometres of motorable roads for access and transport in the mountainous region. 

Chenab Railway Bridge FAQs

Q1: Where is Chenab Railway Bridge located?

Ans: It is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q2: Is Chenab bridge world’s highest?

Ans: It is the world’s highest rail arch bridge.

Q3: The Chenab Railway Bridge is a part of which railway project?

Ans: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL)

Source: HT