The Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters, has officially opened for rail traffic on 6 June 2025. Located in Jammu & Kashmir, this engineering marvel connects the Kashmir Valley to the Indian rail network. Learn about its history, design, construction, and strategic significance.
Chenab Rail Bridge: World’s Tallest Railway Arch Bridge Now Open in Jammu & Kashmir
India has achieved yet another historic milestone in infrastructure with the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge on 6 June 2025. Spanning the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this architectural wonder is now officially the highest railway arch bridge in the world, standing at a height of 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed. The bridge is a major component of the ambitious Jammu–Baramulla railway line, aimed at enhancing connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Let’s explore the full story behind the Chenab Rail Bridge — from its background and planning to its complex construction and strategic importance.
A Vision in the Making: Background & Planning
The idea to link Jammu with the Kashmir Valley by rail was proposed in the late 1970s. This rail line aimed to facilitate year-round transport to the valley, which often gets disconnected during winters due to heavy snowfall. The foundation stone of the Jammu–Baramulla rail project was laid in 1983, but significant progress was only made in the mid-1990s when funding was sanctioned.
The project was executed in phases:
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Jammu to Udhampur section opened in April 2005
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Baramulla to Banihal segment completed between 2008 and 2013
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Udhampur to Katra stretch inaugurated in July 2014
To extend the railway line further towards Srinagar, a survey in 1997 revealed the need for crossing the treacherous terrain of the Pir Panjal Range. One of the biggest engineering challenges was to build a bridge over the deep gorge of the Chenab River between Kauri and Bakkal, around 23 km north of Katra.
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Design Excellence: A Blend of Strength and Innovation
The Indian Railways entrusted Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to manage this high-priority national project. The bridge design and engineering involved global collaboration:
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WSP Finland – Main design firm
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Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner (Germany) – Designed the steel arches
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Vienna Consulting Engineers (Austria) – Supported pylon designs
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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Assisted in blast resistance
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Indian Institute of Science – Studied the foundation protection
The bridge spans a total length of 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) and consists of two major parts:
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A 530-meter (1,740 feet) approach bridge
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A 785-meter (2,575 feet) long arch bridge
With a main span of 467 meters (1,532 feet), the arch bridge features a two-ribbed steel arch structure filled with concrete for extra stability. The bridge is 13.5 meters (44 feet) wide and is designed to support dual railway tracks.
Key design features include:
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Resistance to earthquakes up to 8.0 magnitude
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Withstands blast forces up to 40 tonnes of TNT
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Can operate in -20°C to 45°C temperature range
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Engineered to endure wind speeds up to 266 km/h
The superstructure includes 161 girder plates and 17 spans, supported by high steel piers, one of which stands at 133.7 meters — making it taller than the Eiffel Tower’s base-to-second-level height!
Monumental Construction Journey
The Chenab Bridge construction was awarded to Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking (CBPU), a joint venture between:
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Afcons Infrastructure (India)
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VSL India
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Ultra Construction (South Korea)
Initial work began in 2003, but concerns about geological safety halted construction in 2008. After revising the design, work resumed in 2010.
Key Milestones:
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Base supports completed: November 2017
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Arch assembled and joined: April 2021
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Full structural completion: August 2022
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Track laying began: February 2023
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Trial runs started: June 2024
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Official opening: 6 June 2025
Over 28,660 tonnes of steel and 66,000 cubic meters of concrete were used. Steel was supplied by Steel Authority of India, while advanced cabling was installed by Jochum Andreas Seiltransporte. To withstand the harsh environment, a special 15-year anti-corrosion paint by AkzoNobel was applied.
Unique aspects of construction included:
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Use of self-compacting concrete for the viaduct piers
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Locally generated electricity and river water usage
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Site-specific logistical planning across Himalayan terrain
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Why Chenab Rail Bridge Matters
Strategic Importance:
The bridge is more than just an engineering marvel; it is a lifeline for the Kashmir region. During winter, the Jammu–Srinagar highway is often shut due to snow and landslides. This bridge ensures uninterrupted railway connectivity to the valley.
Economic Boost:
With easier movement of goods and people, the bridge will stimulate local economies, create job opportunities, and boost tourism in the region. The Kashmir Valley, known for its scenic beauty, will now be more accessible to the rest of India.
National Achievement:
Recognized globally, the Chenab Rail Bridge showcases India’s capability in executing complex infrastructure projects. It is expected to have a design life of 120 years and can support train speeds of up to 100 km/h.