World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge Set to Transform Connectivity in J&K: PM Modi to Inaugurate USBRL Section on April 19


Introduction: A Historic Milestone in Indian Rail Infrastructure

On April 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a defining chapter in India's infrastructure journey — the completion of the Katra to Sangaldan stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This 272-kilometre-long rail project includes the world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, which will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history.

Chenab Bridge: An Engineering Marvel

The Chenab Railway Bridge stands at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Made from approximately 30,000 metric tons of steel, this "fauladi bridge" is designed to withstand winds exceeding 250 km/h and is equipped to endure seismic activity, given the region’s fault-line-sensitive geography.

  • The largest bridge foundation (S20) is one-third the size of a football field.

  • It's part of a broader network involving 36 tunnels covering 119 kilometers and nearly 1,000 bridges — a feat achieved by skilled Indian railway engineers despite severe terrain and climatic challenges.

Strategic Significance and Socioeconomic Impact

This rail project isn't just about physical connectivity. It is about national integration, inclusive development, and social upliftment. The Chenab Bridge and the broader USBRL initiative are set to:

  • Boost tourism and trade in Jammu & Kashmir.

  • Open up employment opportunities and commercial accessibility to remote regions.

  • Provide critical infrastructure in previously underserved areas. The project led to the construction of 200 km of roads, connecting villages where earlier residents had to walk 20–25 km just to access motorable routes.

Locals have lauded the project as more than a physical structure — they see it as a lifeline that integrates their region with the rest of the country, both economically and emotionally.

Advanced Rail Infrastructure and Safety Features

The railway line features:

  • Electric engines powered through a new Overhead Equipment (OHE) system using solid metal stanchions instead of traditional wires.

  • A robust live surveillance system at each station, monitoring tunnels and bridges for safety and security.

  • Real-time tracking and control room operations to ensure uninterrupted travel through the difficult and seismic-prone terrain.

Symbol of 'New India'

Railway officials have described this engineering feat as a symbol of “New India’s resolve and capability” — transforming what was once thought impossible into a landmark of national pride.

As PM Modi prepares to inaugurate this transformational project, the event will not just celebrate a bridge but a new beginning for Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing India's commitment to connectivity, innovation, and inclusive progress.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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