Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday (March 25) to share a glimpse of Indian Railways’ latest masterpiece – the Chenab Bridge, hailed as the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge. With pride, Vaishnaw dubbed it “Bharat’s pride!” in his post, underscoring its significance and grandeur.
Taller than the Eiffel Tower
Surpassing even the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Chenab Bridge stands tall at a staggering height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, marking a monumental achievement in India’s infrastructure development and innovation in the railway sector.
Key Details
Linking Communities: Connecting Bakkal and Kauri in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the bridge serves as a crucial link from Katra to Banihal.
Cost and Project: A vital component of the Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, the Chenab bridge alone incurred an expenditure of around Rs 14,000 crore.
National Integration: Falling under the ambitious Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat project, the Chenab bridge aims to foster integration by connecting Kashmir with other states.
Safety Measures: Rigorous testing, including assessments for high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, and hydrological impacts, ensures the bridge’s stability and safety.
Durability: Engineered to withstand winds with speeds of up to 260 km per hour, the bridge boasts an anticipated shelf life of around 120 years.
Earthquake Resistance: With a 2015 km long approach road and earthquake-resistant design, the Chenab Bridge is built to withstand seismic activities.
Construction Process
The construction of the bridge’s arch was a monumental task, taking engineers three years to complete. This feat was facilitated by the installation of two massive cable cranes on both banks of the Chenab, at the Kauri and Bakkal ends, showcasing India’s prowess in civil engineering.
The Chenab Bridge stands not only as a symbol of India’s engineering brilliance but also as a testament to the nation’s commitment to infrastructure development and connectivity enhancement, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
