PM Modi inaugurates world's highest single-arch railway bridge
By A Draft Correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 20, 2024, inaugurated several key projects in Jammu and Kashmir, among which stands the Chenab Bridge, now recognised as the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge. This monumental feat represents a significant milestone in India's civil engineering history.
Initially approved in 2003 and contracted in 2008, the construction of the Chenab Bridge over the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir encountered challenges regarding safety and stability concerns. However, after undergoing rigorous testing, the bridge now stands as a testament to India’s engineering capabilities.
Located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, the bridge serves as a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. It stands impressively at a towering height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, surpassing the renowned Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 meters.
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| Chenab Bridge has an expected lifespan of 120 years |
Part of the Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, the construction of the Chenab Bridge alone incurred a cost of approximately Rs 14,000 crore. This bridge plays a pivotal role in the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and other states.
The Chenab Bridge underwent extensive testing, including assessments for stability in high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, earthquake resilience, and hydrological impacts. Designed with an anticipated lifespan of 120 years, it can withstand winds up to 260 km/h.
The construction process of the bridge, spanning three years, involved the use of two massive cable cranes installed on both banks of the Chenab. Its completion signifies a significant milestone for the region, providing vital infrastructure for both civilians and the armed forces.
After a two-decade-long wait, the project's completion marks a revolutionary advancement in transportation and tourism for Jammu and Kashmir. Once fully operational, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project, including the Vande Bharat Metro train, is expected to further enhance connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
The Chenab Bridge, spanning between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a crucial artery connecting Katra to Banihal. Its remarkable height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed not only symbolizes a marvel of engineering but also surpasses the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 meters, cementing its place as an architectural wonder.
As part of the ambitious Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, the Chenab Bridge has been a focal point in efforts to bolster connectivity in the region, particularly in navigating challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions.
The significant investment of approximately Rs 14,000 crore in the construction of the bridge underscores its strategic importance within the framework of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which aims to strengthen ties and connectivity between Kashmir and other states.
Ensuring the safety and resilience of the Chenab Bridge has been paramount throughout its development. Rigorous testing, including evaluations for stability against high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, seismic activity, and hydrological impacts, has been conducted to guarantee its longevity and reliability.
With an expected lifespan of around 120 years, the bridge is engineered to withstand winds with speeds reaching up to 260 km/h, showcasing its robustness in adverse conditions. Complemented by a 2015 km long approach road, accessibility to the bridge is further enhanced, facilitating its seamless integration into the transportation network.
The construction process of the Chenab Bridge spanned three years and involved the meticulous coordination of engineers and the utilization of two massive cable cranes installed on both banks of the Chenab. This feat of engineering represents not only a testament to India's technical prowess but also a significant milestone in the region's infrastructure development.
Beyond its infrastructural significance, the completion of the Chenab Bridge marks the fulfillment of a long-awaited aspiration for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite facing delays since its initial approval in 2003, the bridge's completion heralds a new era of connectivity and development for the region.
Looking ahead, the operationalisation of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project, coupled with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Metro train, promises to further revolutionize transportation and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, unlocking new economic opportunities and facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods across the region.
Furthermore, the strategic significance of the Chenab Bridge extends beyond civilian connectivity and tourism development. The railway line, including this monumental bridge, holds crucial importance for the deployment of armed forces in this strategically vital region, enhancing security and logistical capabilities.
The completion of the Chenab Bridge not only represents a triumph of engineering ingenuity but also signals a transformative moment in the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Its towering presence stands as a symbol of progress and development, promising to catalyze growth and prosperity for the region and its residents.
As the bridge becomes fully operational, it is expected to serve as a lifeline for communities, businesses, and industries, fostering economic growth and facilitating greater regional integration. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Metro train will further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of transportation, opening up new avenues for trade, commerce, and tourism.
The inauguration of the Chenab Bridge marks a historic achievement for India's civil engineering prowess and a significant leap forward in the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir. With its completion, the region stands poised to embrace a future defined by enhanced connectivity, economic vitality, and social progress.
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