India Inaugurates World’s Highest Railway Single-Arch Bridge Which Took 20 Years to Build – Trak.in

PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab Bridge in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir to launch a series of infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore. Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is designed to endure seismic shocks and strong wind loads.

A Two-Decade Engineering Marvel

The Chenab Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering ambition, having taken nearly 20 years to complete. Initiated in the early 2000s as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the bridge’s construction spanned two decades due to the region’s extreme terrain, complex geology, and severe weather. Despite these challenges, engineers achieved a record-breaking feat in railway infrastructure.

First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge Also Inaugurated

Alongside the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Constructed in one of the most difficult terrains in the region, it marks another critical link in the USBRL network.

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Strengthening Kashmir’s Rail and Road Network

A major highlight of the visit was the dedication of the full 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the nation. Built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, the project includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir.

To ease travel, PM Modi flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, benefiting residents, pilgrims, and tourists.

Boosting Connectivity and Tourism

PM Modi also laid foundation stones and inaugurated various road projects like the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch and the Shopian bypass—worth ₹1,952 crore. Flyovers at Sangrama and Bemina Junctions aim to reduce congestion in Srinagar.

Further, the PM laid the foundation stone for the ₹350 crore Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, the first medical college in Reasi district.

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