Key Points
- World’s Highest Rail Bridge: The Chenab Rail Bridge stands taller than the Eiffel Tower at 359 meters.
- Inaugurated by PM Modi: Prime Minister Modi dedicated the bridge to the nation and flagged off the Vande Bharat train.
- Strategic Importance: The bridge enhances connectivity for passengers and the military, ensuring year-round access.
- Engineering Feat: Designed to withstand earthquakes and high winds; remains stable even if multiple pillars are damaged.
- Dignitaries Present: Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, former CM Omar Abdullah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the event.
PM Modi Inaugurates the World’s Highest Rail Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir
In a historic moment for Indian infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, now recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge. The grand ceremony saw the Prime Minister flag off the Vande Bharat train, marking the bridge’s official opening and dedicating this engineering marvel to the nation.
Unveiling a Marvel of Modern Engineering
Towering at an impressive 359 meters above the Chenab River, the bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower and stretches 1,315 meters across the dramatic mountain landscape. Built with advanced steel arch technology, the bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes and fierce winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. Remarkably, its unique structure ensures that even if several pillars are compromised, the bridge will remain standing a testament to Indian engineering prowess.
Boosting Connectivity and National Security
The Chenab Rail Bridge is set to revolutionize travel in the region, significantly reducing journey times and making passenger travel between Katra and Srinagar smoother and more reliable. The bridge also holds immense strategic value, enabling the Indian Army to deliver logistics to remote border areas swiftly, regardless of the season.
A Symbol of Progress
Before the inauguration, PM Modi personally inspected the bridge, gathering insights from engineers and officials. He later waved the tricolor, symbolizing national pride, before launching the Vande Bharat train from the new platform. “This bridge is a reflection of India’s growing development and ambition to become a developed nation,” said the Prime Minister during his address.
Dignitaries Witness the Historic Event
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Their presence underscored the bridge’s significance not just for the region, but for the entire nation.
