Chenab Rail Bridge Inauguration: A New Era for Jammu and Kashmir

In a historic milestone for India’s infrastructure and regional connectivity, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, on June 6, 2025.

Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, this engineering marvel will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India via an all-weather railway line. The event also marked the launch of two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, slashing travel time to just three hours.

A Symbol of Ambition and Unity

Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi described the bridge as a testament to India’s growing prowess in infrastructure development. “The Tricolour flies high over the Chenab Rail Bridge! It’s a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India’s growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains,” he said, waving the Indian flag atop the bridge. He further emphasised its role in regional integration, stating, “This rail link is not just infrastructure; it symbolises our commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their progress and integration with the rest of the nation.”

Professor G. Madhavi Latha, a key contributor to the bridge’s design and construction, expressed her gratitude on LinkedIn, noting the project’s impact on inspiring future generations. “Many young kids have written to me that they now want to take up Civil Engineering as their career choice. I am extremely happy about this,” she wrote, highlighting the collaborative effort of thousands of workers and engineers.

A Global Engineering Marvel

The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is a feat of engineering that surpasses China’s Najiehe Railway Bridge, previously the world’s highest. Spanning 1,315 meters across the Chenab River gorge, it was constructed using 28,660 metric tonnes of steel, designed to withstand winds up to 266 km/h and seismic activity in Zone 5. The bridge’s blast-proof design, developed with assistance from India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, underscores its strategic importance in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Globally, the Chenab Bridge stands out not only for its height but also for its complexity. Unlike Portugal’s Aqueduto do Alviela, a historic masonry structure, or the Beipanjiang Bridge in China, a road bridge, the Chenab Bridge is a railway-specific marvel built to endure extreme Himalayan conditions. Its construction involved overcoming fractured geology and required 26 kilometres of new roads to transport heavy machinery to the remote site.

Transformative Developmental Impact

The Chenab Rail Bridge is set to revolutionise Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and connectivity. The 272-kilometre railway, with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, provides year-round access, overcoming the region’s previous reliance on treacherous mountain roads and air travel. This enhanced connectivity is expected to boost tourism, a lifeline for the region, by making destinations like the Vaishno Devi shrine and Srinagar more accessible.

Economically, the bridge will facilitate faster and cheaper transport of goods, such as Kashmir’s famous apples, to major markets across India. “This will give impetus to the industry here, now apples from Kashmir will be able to reach the big markets of the country at a low cost, and will be able to reach on time,” Prime Minister Modi noted. The project is also anticipated to create employment opportunities, supporting local communities and fostering trade.

A Model of People-Centric Governance

The Chenab Rail Bridge exemplifies the Indian government’s commitment to inclusive development. By connecting remote regions to the national mainstream, the project aligns with policies aimed at uplifting marginalised areas. Modi highlighted this vision, stating, “Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a hub of all-round development, and the Central government will leave no stone unturned to make this vision a reality for generations to come.”

The bridge’s inauguration, alongside the Anji Khad Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge—marks a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir. These projects not only enhance connectivity but also foster cultural and economic integration, dispelling stereotypes and promoting interpersonal exchanges. As South Africa continues to invest in its infrastructure, such as the Gautrain and port expansions, the Chenab Bridge serves as an inspiring example of how visionary governance can transform regions and improve lives.

Looking Ahead

The Chenab Rail Bridge is more than a structure; it is a symbol of India’s resilience, innovation, and unity. As trains cross its 359-meter-high arch, they carry the promise of a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir, connecting its people to new opportunities and strengthening ties with the rest of India. For South Africa and the global community, especially the countries from the global South, this project underscores the transformative power of infrastructure when driven by a commitment to the public good.