chenab Bridge Opens, Becomes World’s Highest railway Bridge in India

⁣ Updated June 7, ‍2025
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India⁤ has inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, a railway bridge now recognized as the world’s highest.This major infrastructure project, standing 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the chenab river, surpasses⁤ the Eiffel Tower in height by approximately 35 meters (114⁤ feet).

Located in the Jammu and Kashmir region,‍ the arch-shaped Chenab Bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla ⁣Railway Line. It⁣ aims to ⁣enhance railway connectivity in this remote Himalayan area by linking the⁤ mountain towns of Katra and Banihal.

Construction of the Chenab Bridge,⁣ which began in 2004, faced numerous hurdles. The rugged terrain posed significant challenges for⁣ building and transporting equipment. Security ⁣concerns, stemming from ongoing disputes, also caused repeated work stoppages.

Engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 165 km/h (102 mph), earthquakes, and extreme temperatures, the 1.3-kilometer⁤ (0.8 miles) ⁣long bridge was completed in 2022. Following rigorous testing, it opened to the public on June 6, 2025, at a cost of around ⁣£140 million.

The new⁢ railway bridge is expected to transform travel across the Himalayas, facilitating movement for residents and⁣ tourists alike.The government anticipates that improved transportation will stimulate the local economy by boosting tourism and streamlining the movement of goods.

It was a “historic moment” for the country.

The bridge incorporates ‍over 28,000 tonnes of steel‍ and features a specialized coating designed to prevent rust for up to 120 years.

what’s next

With the⁣ Chenab Bridge now open, ⁤focus shifts to maximizing its impact on regional development and tourism. Further expansion ⁣of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line is anticipated, promising even greater connectivity and⁤ economic opportunities for the region.