{{Short description|Railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, India}} {{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox bridge |bridge_name = Chenab Rail Bridge |native_name = |native_name_lang = |image = Chenab Rail Bridge, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.jpg |image_size = 300px |alt = |caption = Chenab Rail Bridge in 2023 |official_name = |other_name = |carries = Trains |crosses = Chenab River |locale = Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir |design = Deck arch bridge |designer = {{bullet list|WSP Finland|Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner|Vienna Consulting Engineers|Defence Research & Development Organization|Indian Institute of Science}} |owner = Indian Railways |maint = Indian Railways |builder = {{bullet list|Afcons Infrastructure|Ultra Construction|VSL India}} |material = Steel and concrete |cost = {{INRconvert|14.86|b}} |length = {{cvt|1315|m}} |width = {{cvt|13.5|m}} |height = {{cvt|359|m}} |mainspan = {{cvt|467|m}} |spans = 17 |inaugurated = {{start date and age|df=yes|2022|08|13}} |open = {{start date and age|df=yes|2025|06|06}} |coordinates = {{coord|33|9|3|N|74|52|59|E|}} |extra = |mapframe-zoom = 7}} {{Jammu-Baramulla line}} The '''Chenab Rail Bridge''' is a railway bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is a steel and concrete bridge spanning {{cvt|1315|m}} across the river gorge. The structure consists of an approach bridge which is {{cvt|530|m}} long and a {{cvt|785|m}}-long deck arch bridge. With a deck height of {{cvt|359|m}} from the river bed, the arch bridge is the highest rail bridge in the world. It is located between Kauri and Bakkal rail stations on the Jammu–Baramulla line.
The bridge was constructed at a cost of {{INRconvert|14.86|b}}. The project was overseen by Konkan Railway Corporation of the Indian Railways. The construction work started in 2017, and the base supports were completed in November 2017 with the arch constructed by April 2021. The bridge was fully completed in August 2022, and the first trial runs were conducted in June 2024. The bridge was opened for rail traffic on 6 June 2025 by prime minister Narendra Modi.
== Background and planning == In the late 1970s, the Government of India planned to establish a railway line to connect Jammu with the Kashmir Valley. The line would connect Kashmir with the rest of the Indian railway network and aid in the economic activity of the region.<ref name="RT">{{cite web|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chenab-bridge-jammu-kashmir/?cf-view|title=Chenab Bridge|work=Railway technology|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="Marvel">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2024/Jun/23/a-marvel-in-steel|title=A marvel in steel|date=23 June 2024|access-date=1 July 2024|work=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="DNA">{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/viral/report-udhampur-srinagar-baramulla-rail-link-update-final-track-work-completed-vande-bharat-to-begin-in-3122482|title=Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link update|date=15 December 2024|access-date=1 January 2025|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis}}</ref> It would also serve as a strategic link to the Kashmir region all round the year as the road link between Jammu and Kashmir region is often cut off by snowfall during winters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/jammusrinagar-national-highway-reopens-after-nearly-a-fortnight-101757531838202.html|title=Jammu-Srinagar national highway reopens after nearly a fortnight|date=9 September 2025|access-date=10 September 2025|newspaper=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3w71mkxwo|title=A new Kashmir rail bridge that could be a game-changer for India|date=15 August 2024|access-date=1 September 2024|work=BBC News|archive-date=25 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825170637/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3w71mkxwo|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the foundation stone for the Jammu-Baramulla railway project was laid in 1983, constructed started only when the funds were allocated only in the mid 1990s.<ref name="HT">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/tracking-jammu-and-kashmir-s-rail-history/story-wDdzKH2WXmqf5uUSXDz9BL.html|title=Tracking Jammu and Kashmir rail history|date=28 October 2009|access-date=1 June 2024|work=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="DE">{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/history-of-railways-in-jk/|title=History of Railways in J&K|work=Daily Excelsior|date=6 October 2019|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="ET">{{cite web|url=https://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=166884|title=History of Railways in Jammu & Kashmir|date=1 January 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Early Times}}</ref>
A survey was conducted in 1997 a feasibility study was conducted for connecting Udhampur in the Jammu region to Srinagar in the valley.<ref name="DE"/><ref name="ET"/> The line would have to pass through the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas,<ref name="HT"/> which necessitated multiple tunnels and bridges.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="DNA"/><ref name="IT"/> The line between Katra and Srinagar necessitated a crossing of a deep gorge formed by the Chenab River.<ref name="RT"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011757570500.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120120958/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011757570500.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2008|title=Chenab Rail bridge will be highest in the world|access-date=14 August 2008|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 January 2008}}</ref><ref name="CD">{{cite journal|title=Conceptual design of the Chenab Bridge in India|url=https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/278653/1-s2.0-S1877705812X00201/1-s2.0-S1877705812024642/main.pdf|author1=P. Pulkkinen|author2=S. Hopf b|author3=A. Jutila|journal=Procedia Engineering|volume=40|year=2012|pages=189–194| doi=10.1016/j.proeng.2012.07.078 }}</ref> A high-altitude rail bridge was approved to cross the river between Kauri and Bakkal, about {{cvt|23|km}} north of Katra, in Reasi district.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="IE">{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chenab-arch-bridge-kashmir-7264526/|title=Quixplained: Chenab arch bridge which will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari|date=7 April 2021|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=9 April 2021|archive-date=9 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409053017/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chenab-arch-bridge-kashmir-7264526/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FE">{{cite news|last=Nag|first=Devanjana|date=16 January 2020|title=Chenab bridge: World's highest rail bridge taller than Eiffel Tower, can withstand blasts!|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-can-withstand-blasts-10-stunning-facts/1824028/|access-date=12 October 2021|newspaper=The Financial Express|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206233300/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-can-withstand-blasts-10-stunning-facts/1824028/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SF">{{cite web|url=http://www.konkanrailway.com/website/tender/annexure1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031208010318/http://www.konkanrailway.com/website/tender/annexure1.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 December 2003|work=Konkan Railway Corporation|title=Salient Features of the Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges|access-date=14 August 2008}}</ref> The planned construction area was located in a major seismic zone (zone V–highest risk<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/earthquake-risk-india-which-parts-in-top-seismic-zone-2331553-2023-02-07|title=Earthquake risk: Check which parts of India are in top seismic zone|work=India Today|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>) with a fractured geology,<ref name="SF"/> and in a conflict prone zone.<ref name="BBC"/>
The Jammu–Udhampur section of the planned Jammu–Baramulla line was opened in April 2005.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="DE"/> Subsequently, the section between Banihal and Baramulla via Srinagar, was opened in phases from 2008 to 2013.<ref name="HT"/><ref name="IT">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/baramulla-jammu-chenab-river-rail-bridge-to-cut-travel-time-india-today-154110-2013-02-15|title=India joins the superlative club, we now have the world's highest rail bridge|date=15 February 2013|access-date=17 September 2022|archive-date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172000/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/baramulla-jammu-chenab-river-rail-bridge-to-cut-travel-time-india-today-154110-2013-02-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The section between Udhampur and Katra was opened for traffic in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-flags-off-inaugural-train-from-katra/article6176580.ece|title=Modi flags off inaugural train from Katra|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 July 2014|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=12 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912055841/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/modi-flags-off-inaugural-train-from-katra/article6176580.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Design == The Indian Railways assigned the supervision of the bridge construction project to Konkan Railway Corporation on behalf of Northern Railways.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="PIB">{{cite press release|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1709652|title=Railways complete the Arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge, World's highest Railway Bridge|work=Ministry of Railways|date=5 April 2021|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> The bridge was declared a national project due to its national importance in connecting Kashmir to the existing lines of Indian Railways.<ref name="IE"/><ref name="FE"/> Konkan railway invited tenders for the project in November 2003.<ref name="SF"/> WSP Finland served as the main designer of the bridge, with Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner designing the bridge arches, and Vienna Consulting Engineers aiding in the design of the pylons.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="Marvel"/><ref name="PIB"/> The Defence Research & Development Organization aided in developing the blast proofing of the bridge,<ref name="Marvel"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chenab-railway-bridge-all-you-need-to-know-10051700/|title=All you need to know about world’s highest Chenab railway bridge inaugurated today|work=The Indian Express|date=6 June 2025|access-date=1 August 2025}}</ref> and the Indian Institute of Science helped with the study of the protection of the foundation of the bridge.<ref name="PIB"/>
A {{cvt|1315|m}}-long bridge was planned at a cost of {{INRconvert|14.86|b}}.<ref name="IT"/><ref name="IE"/><ref name="PIB"/> The main deck of the bridge was planned at a height of {{cvt|359|m}} above the river bed, making it the highest rail bridge in the world.<ref name="IT"/><ref name="IE"/><ref name="PIB"/><ref>{{cite news|date=17 February 2013|title=World's highest rail bridge to come up across Chenab river|newspaper=The Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/World-s-highest-rail-bridge-to-come-up-across-Chenab-river/Article1-1012851.aspx|url-status=dead|access-date=17 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217170019/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/World-s-highest-rail-bridge-to-come-up-across-Chenab-river/Article1-1012851.aspx|archive-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> The bridge consists of two parts– an approach bridge which is {{cvt|530|m}} long and the {{cvt|785|m}}-long deck arch bridge.<ref name="CD"/> The arch bridge consists of a two-ribbed arch design and prefabricated steel boxes filled with concrete used in chords of the trusses.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="CD"/> The bridge consists of 17 spans, with the main span measuring {{cvt|467|m}} in length.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="PIB"/> The spans are supported by steel piers, the highest of which measures {{cvt|133.7|m}}.<ref name="IT"/> The super structure consists of 161 girder plates each of {{cvt|8|m}} length and {{cvt|8|mm}} thickness.<ref name="IT"/><ref name="CD"/><ref name="FE"/> The bridge is about {{cvt|13.5|m}} wide,<ref name="CD"/> and can accommodate two railway tracks with a separation of {{cvt|1.2|m}}.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="IE"/> The main bridge arch structure weighs 10,619 tonnes and is supported by two cable-attached pylons measuring {{cvt|130|m}} and {{cvt|100|m}}, respectively.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="PIB"/>
The design and construction is compliant with various national and global standards and codes, including Indian Standards, Indian Railway Standards, Indian Road Congress, British Standards, and International Union of Railways.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="CD"/><ref name="SF"/> The bridge is designed to have a life of 120 years and is designated to handle rail speeds of up to {{cvt|100|kph}}.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="Marvel"/><ref name="PIB"/> The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of eight on the Richter scale, high-intensity blasts equivalent to about 40 tonnes of TNT, temperatures up to {{cvt|-20|C}} and wind speeds of up to {{cvt|266|kph}}.<ref name="IE"/><ref name="FE"/><ref name="PIB"/><ref>{{cite news|date=7 April 2024|title=The Kashmir valley is not far|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/in-frames-kashmir-valley-is-not-far-udhampur-srinagar-baramulla-rail-link/article68038963.ece|access-date=11 April 2024|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-date=9 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409141818/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/in-frames-kashmir-valley-is-not-far-udhampur-srinagar-baramulla-rail-link/article68038963.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Construction and opening == thumb|upright=0.65|Piers of the approach bridge in 2013
The construction contract was awarded to Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking, a joint venture between Indian companies Afcons Infrastructure and VSL India, and South Korean company Ultra Construction.<ref name="PIB" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chenab-bridge-jammu-kashmir/|title=Chenab Rail Bridge, Jammu and Kashmir, India|work=Railway Technology|access-date=4 July 2013|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415170401/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chenab-bridge-jammu-kashmir/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=8395|title=Indian Railways makes history;Awards largest bridge contract in J&K|work=Project Monitor|access-date=1 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220020225/http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=8395|archive-date=20 February 2008}}</ref> As the construction site was located amidst the Himalayas, the construction involved several logistical challenges.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="CD" /> Due to limited connectivity, workshops were set up at select locations on either side of the river valley.<ref name="CD" /> The electricity used was generated locally, and the water was transported using pipes from the river.<ref name="CD" /> Proofing of the foundation, and viaduct and arch was done by the companies URS Corporation and COWI respectively.<ref name="PIB" /> Stability analysis was done ITASCA Consulting Group along with IIT Delhi, and seismic analysis was done by IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee.<ref name="PIB"/>
The viaduct piers are made of self-compacting concrete filled into steel boxes.<ref name="FE"/> The construction used about 28,660 tonnes of steel, 66,000 m<sup>3</sup> of concrete and {{cvt|84|km}} of bolts and cables.<ref name="Marvel"/><ref name="IE"/><ref name="PIB"/> The steel was supplied by the Steel Authority of India.<ref name="IT"/><ref name="FE"/> Cabling for the pylon was installed by Jochum Andreas Seiltransporte.<ref name="RT"/> After the steel columns were built, a derrick crane was used to install the arch sections and deck spans in place, with temporary cables holding them in place.<ref name="CD"/> Specially designed high-strength friction-grip bolts were used for joining the two ends of the bridge arches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chenab-railway-bridge-in-jk-nears-completion-with-golden-joint-8072722/|title=Chenab Railway Bridge in J&K nears completion with golden joint|work=The Indian Express|date=5 August 2022|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> Due to the extreme location of the bridge, a new corrosion resistant painting scheme was developed, having a longer life time of about 15 years, compared to five to seven years in most other Indian railway bridges.<ref name="FE"/><ref>{{cite news|date=3 May 2017|title=J&K The railway bridge being built on the Chenab river will be 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-NAN-a-rail-bridge-taller-than-the-eiffel-tower-over-the-chenab-5589266-PHO.html|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028165940/https://www.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-NAN-a-rail-bridge-taller-than-the-eiffel-tower-over-the-chenab-5589266-PHO.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The painting contract was awarded to AkzoNobel.<ref name="RT"/>
thumb|left|upright=0.8|Aerial view of Chenab Bridge during construction of the arch
The project was initially slated for completion by 2009.<ref name="CD"/> However, construction was halted in late 2008 due to concerns about the safety and stability of the bridge.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="IT"/><ref name="FE"/> Construction work resumed in 2010 after modifications were made to the main span design.<ref name="CD"/><ref>{{cite news|date=10 June 2010|title=Work Resumes on Tallest Rail Bridge in India|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/news/news87583.html|work=Railway Technology|access-date=1 November 2012|archive-date=2 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002045251/http://www.railway-technology.com/news/news87583.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The base supports of the bridge were completed in November 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Srinand|date=6 November 2017|title=Railways launches main arch of Chenab: World's highest rail bridge an impressive feat but are celebrations misplaced?|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/railways-inaugurates-main-arch-of-chenab-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-an-impressive-feat-but-is-there-much-to-celebrate-4195915.html|work=Firstpost|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220212206/http://www.firstpost.com/india/railways-inaugurates-main-arch-of-chenab-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-an-impressive-feat-but-is-there-much-to-celebrate-4195915.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction progressed actively in 2018, with initial plans to complete the bridge by May 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/worlds-highest-railway-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-nearing-completion-in-jk-2155242.html|title=World's highest railway bridge, taller than Eiffel Tower, nearing completion in J&K|date=13 November 2018|work=Zee News|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008090351/https://zeenews.india.com/india/worlds-highest-railway-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-nearing-completion-in-jk-2155242.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sagotra|first=Yogesh|date=7 November 2017|title=World's tallest railway bridge on Chenab to complete by May 2019|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/worlds-tallest-railway-bridge-on-chenab-to-complete-by-may-2019/|work=Greater Kashmir|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608195553/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/worlds-tallest-railway-bridge-on-chenab-to-complete-by-may-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, progress was slower than expected, and several deadlines were missed.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 December 2018|title=Kashmir rail link to see further delay after work stops yet again|url=https://thekashmirwalla.com/kashmir-rail-link-to-see-further-delay-after-work-stops-yet-again/|access-date=12 October 2021|work=The Kashmir Walla|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027205042/https://thekashmirwalla.com/kashmir-rail-link-to-see-further-delay-after-work-stops-yet-again/|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://thepolicytimes.com/chenab-rail-bridge-to-miss-2020-deadline/|title=Chenab rail bridge to miss 2020 deadline|work=Policy Times|date=3 December 2018|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506220839/https://thepolicytimes.com/chenab-rail-bridge-to-miss-2020-deadline/|url-status=live}}</ref> By January 2020, only about 83% of the construction had been completed, with a subsequent planned opening in 2021.<ref name="FE"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Jacob|first=Shine|date=19 August 2019|title=Railway project to link Kashmir with rest of India put on fast track|newspaper=Business Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/railway-project-to-link-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-put-on-fast-track-119081901302_1.html|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906040526/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/railway-project-to-link-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-put-on-fast-track-119081901302_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The arches were completed by April 2021, with a new deadline set for 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian Railways completes close to 90 percent work on world's highest Chenab rail bridge|url=https://zeenews.india.com/railways/indian-railways-completes-close-to-90-percent-work-on-worlds-highest-chenab-rail-bridge-2477499.html/amp|work=Zee News|date=24 June 2022|access-date=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717121349/https://zeenews.india.com/railways/indian-railways-completes-close-to-90-percent-work-on-worlds-highest-chenab-rail-bridge-2477499.html/amp|url-status=live}}</ref> The bridge was fully completed and inaugurated on 13 August 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chenab Bridge: Before 'Golden' Launch Today, Cross Journey Behind Making J&K's Marvel|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-before-the-golden-launch-today-cross-journey-behind-making-jks-marvel-with-news18-5742139.html|access-date=13 August 2022|work=News18|date=13 August 2022|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164832/https://www.news18.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-before-the-golden-launch-today-cross-journey-behind-making-jks-marvel-with-news18-5742139.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=13 August 2022|title=Chenab Bridge, World's Highest Rail Bridge Taller Than Eiffel Tower, Inaugurated Today|url=https://www.india.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-inaugurated-today-all-you-need-to-know-5570123/|access-date=13 August 2022|work=India.com|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164853/https://www.india.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-inaugurated-today-all-you-need-to-know-5570123/|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|upright=0.8|Inauguration of the bridge
In February 2023, the laying of railway tracks on the bridge commenced,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/story/todays-paper/front-page/track-laying-work-on-worlds-highest-railway-bridge-starts|title=Track-laying work on world's highest railway bridge starts|date=21 February 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Greater Kashmir|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221203334/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/story/todays-paper/front-page/track-laying-work-on-worlds-highest-railway-bridge-starts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/tracklaying-work-begins-on-world-s-highest-rail-bridge-in-j-k-s-reasi-101677001469979-amp.html|title=Track-laying work begins on world's highest rail bridge in J&K's Reasi|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=21 February 2023|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221203336/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/tracklaying-work-begins-on-world-s-highest-rail-bridge-in-j-k-s-reasi-101677001469979-amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/udhampur-srinagar-baramulla-rail-link-project-on-chenab-bridge-track-laying-work-begins-on-worlds-highest-railway-bridge/2987999/lite/|title=Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project on Chenab Bridge: Track laying work begins on world's highest Railway bridge|newspaper=The Financial Express|date=23 February 2023|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221204014/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/udhampur-srinagar-baramulla-rail-link-project-on-chenab-bridge-track-laying-work-begins-on-worlds-highest-railway-bridge/2987999/lite/|url-status=live}}</ref> and consisted of a single railway track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wobo-un.org/the-chenab-rail-bridge-india/#:~:text=The%20Chenab%20Rail%20Bridge%20is%20a%20steel%20and,the%20Jammu%20Division%20of%20Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%2C%20India|title=The Chenab Rail Bridge – India|work=Wobo|date=15 April 2024|access-date=10 June 2025|archive-date=2 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802232205/https://wobo-un.org/the-chenab-rail-bridge-india/#:~:text=The%20Chenab%20Rail%20Bridge%20is%20a%20steel%20and,the%20Jammu%20Division%20of%20Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%2C%20India|url-status=live}}</ref> While the initial target for commencing rail traffic was January 2024,<ref>{{cite news|title=Railway to Connect Kashmir with Rest of India by Start of 2024, Ladakh to Get 500 Towers: Ashwini Vaishnaw|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/newsindia/railway-to-connect-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-by-start-of-2024-ladakh-to-get-500-towers-ashwini-vaishnaw/ar-AA193Dxo?PC=EMMX01|work=News18|date=25 March 2023|access-date=25 March 2023|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328110252/https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/newsindia/railway-to-connect-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-by-start-of-2024-ladakh-to-get-500-towers-ashwini-vaishnaw/ar-AA193Dxo?PC=EMMX01|url-status=live}}</ref> the expected opening date was pushed to late 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/plans-to-connect-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-through-rail-pushed-to-july/article67867799.ece|title=Plans to connect Kashmir with rest of India through rail pushed to July|newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 February 2024|last1=Porecha|first1=Maitri|archive-date=4 March 2024|access-date=8 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304191107/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/plans-to-connect-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-through-rail-pushed-to-july/article67867799.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Trial runs on various sections of the Katra–Banihal sector commenced in December 2023, with full-scale trial runs across the entire sector including the bridge in June 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/chenab-valley/usbrl-project-first-electric-engine-train-trial-run-conducted-at-sumbal-sangal-rly-stations/|title=First electric engine train trial run conducted at Sumbal, Sangal Rly stations|work=Greater Kashmir|date=11 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/india/in-pics-railways-successful-trial-run-on-worlds-highest-chenab-bridge-in-kashmir-2759529|title=Railways Successful Trial Run on Worlds Highest Chenab Bridge in Kashmir|work=Zee News|date=22 June 2024|access-date=22 June 2024|archive-date=22 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622153518/https://zeenews.india.com/photos/india/in-pics-railways-successful-trial-run-on-worlds-highest-chenab-bridge-in-kashmir-2759529|url-status=live}}</ref> The bridge was planned to open for regular railway traffic in April 2025, which was later postponed due to adverse weather.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/katrasrinagar-vande-bharat-launch-hits-weather-hurdle-pm-modis-jammu-visit-on-april-19-postponed-new-dates-soon-11744767800525.html|title=Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat launch hits weather hurdle; PM Modi's Jammu visit on April 19 postponed, new dates soon|work=Live Mint|date=16 April 2025|access-date=19 April 2025|archive-date=17 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417043545/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/katrasrinagar-vande-bharat-launch-hits-weather-hurdle-pm-modis-jammu-visit-on-april-19-postponed-new-dates-soon-11744767800525.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The bridge was opened for regular rail traffic by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on 6 June 2025, with the launch of train services connecting Katra in the Jammu region and Srinagar in the Kashmir valley.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chenab Rail Bridge to bring Delhi and Kashmir closer {{!}} Why is it important|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chenab-rail-bridge-to-bring-delhi-and-kashmir-closer-why-is-it-important-101748953882537.html|access-date=4 June 2025|date=4 June 2025|newspaper=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-inaugurates-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-over-river-chenab-that-will-link-kashmir-valley-to-rest-of-countr-2736622-2025-06-06|title=PM opens landmark Chenab Bridge, flags off Vande Bharat in massive Kashmir push|date=6 June 2025|access-date=1 July 2025|work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-world-s-highest-railway-bridge-over-chenab-river-in-jk-101749189555007.html|title=PM Modi inaugurates world's highest railway bridge over Chenab river|access-date=6 June 2025|date=6 June 2025|newspaper=The Hindustan Times}}</ref>
==See also== * Anji Khad Bridge * Geostrategic rail lines in India * India-China Border Roads * List of bridges in India
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{Portal-inline|Transport}} * {{Portal-inline|Engineering}} * {{Structurae|id=20013811}}
{{Bridges in India}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2022 establishments in Jammu and Kashmir Category:Bridges completed in 2022 Category:Bridges over the Chenab River Category:Bridges in Jammu and Kashmir Category:Railway bridges in India Category:Reasi district Category:Modi administration initiatives