Project Highlights

• At the height of 359 m above the river bed of the Chenab River valley, the iconic Chenab bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge.

• The bridge is 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower.

• The Chenab rail bridge is designed to withstand zone-V earthquakes, 266 km/hr wind speed, and high-intensity blasts.

• Built at the cost of INR 1,486 crore (USD 180 million), the bridge will have a lifespan of 120 years.

• 300 civil engineers and more than 1,300 workers worked 24/7 to complete the arch bridge.

• It is commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6th June 2025, as a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project completion.

Project Overview

The 1,315 m long and 359 m high Chenab Rail Bridge is the world's highest railway bridge under construction. Designed as an iconic arch bridge, it is a part of the larger mega project to connect the Kashmir valley to the mainstream rail network of the Indian Railways.

The new bridge on the river Chenab features a new broad gauge railway line between Udhampur and Baramulla of the Kashmir Railway Project.

The construction of the Chenab Bridge superstructure was completed in the early weeks of August 2022. It was inaugurated on August 13, 2022, just two days before the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. The inauguration of the bridge was coined with the ceremonial celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’

Chenab Railway Bridge Location

The new bridge is constructed across the Chenab River between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Chenab Railway Bridge Project Background

The Chenab Bridge is a crucial link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Northern Railway. The 111-km new stretch from Katra to Banihal connects the Kashmir region to mainstream India via railways. This is part of the ambitious JUSBRL (Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Railway-Link) project, which is built at the cost of INR 28000 Crore (USD 3.5-4 billion).

However, the new rail extension line had to pass through a large number of tunnels and bridges. On top of that, the highly rugged Himalayan terrain was another challenge. Along these difficult terrains lies a deep gorge of the river Chenab that requires a long-span bridge. Therefore, the construction of the Chenab River Bridge was proposed and approved in 2003.

Chenab Bridge: Construction

The bridge was originally scheduled to be constructed by 2009, but it suffered several roadblocks. Construction challenges forced the suspension of the bridge in 2008. The entire JUSBRL project was newly reviewed, and the design was revised. The railway officials approved the design in 2009. The work on the Chenab bridge began in 2012, with the bridge's main span modified to 467 meters. 

Although the new railway line falls under the administration of Northern Railways, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited was chosen as the executive agency and design consultant. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd has previously built several railway projects in challenging terrains of the Konkan Region of Western India. 

The contract was awarded to M/s Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking, which is a JV (Joint Venture) between Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering Company of South Korea, and VSL India.

The design work is compliant with various national and global standards and codes, including the National Codes of India, IRS (Indian Railway Standards), BS (British Standards), and UIC (International Union of Railways).

In November 2017, the base supports were declared completed, allowing for the construction of the main arch. The bridge was fully completed and was inaugurated in August 2022.

As per Giridhar Rajagopalan, Deputy Managing Director (Afcons Infrastructure Ltd), HSFG (High Strength Friction Grip) bolts were used for the iconic structure's critical golden joint, which marked the completion of joining the two ends of the overarch deck. 

Chenab Railway Bridge Structural Details

Chenab Bridge is Constructed by

M/s Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking, a JV between Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering Company of South Korea, and VSL India, has been the main contractor for the project. Konkan Railways is the executive decision-maker for the project.

Chenab Railway Bridge Designers

Proof Consultant:

Investor of the Chenab Railway Project

The monumental bridge was declared a national project due to its national importance in connecting Srinagar to existing mainstream lines of Indian Railways. Thus the Union Government of India has sanctioned the entire project cost of INR 1,486 crore (USD 180 million) in its budget to strengthen connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir through the Kashmir railway project.

Challenges Faced by the Project

The rugged Himalayan terrain itself was the biggest challenge for the project. Due to the lack of connectivity infrastructure in the mountainous region, local workshops and printshops were set up on either side of the Chenab River valley.

Even electricity was produced locally as power infrastructure isn’t available in the mountains. The water used for making concrete was also piped from far away distance.

Chenab Railway Bridge 2025 Update

On 6th June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project completion. This inauguration also marked the launch of two new Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, significantly reducing travel time to three hours. The Chenab Bridge is a part of the USBRL project, which includes the construction of the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge.

Conclusion

The Chenab Rail Bridge inaugurated on 6th June 2025 is the world's largest railway bridge at a height of 359 m above the rived of Chenab River Valley. It is 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower and was built for INR 1,486 (USD 180 million) with a lifespan of 120 years. This bridge connects the Kashmir Valley to the national railway network which proves to be a testament to India's engineering and infrastructural capabilities and commitment. 

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