India has officially inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, now recognized as the tallest railway bridge in the world. Spanning the deep gorge of the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, this remarkable structure stands at a height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, surpassing both the Shard in London and the Eiffel Tower in height. The opening ceremony took place on June 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in engineering and infrastructure development.
Constructed at a cost of approximately ₹14.86 billion (£122 million), the Chenab Rail Bridge stretches for 4,314 feet and was built using over 28,000 tonnes of steel. This monumental project took roughly 20 years to complete, following initial project approval in the early 2000s. The bridge is designed to last for 120 years and is capable of accommodating trains traveling at speeds of up to 62 mph.
Engineering Achievements and Challenges
The construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge faced numerous challenges, largely due to its location in a seismically active zone characterized by fractured terrain and extreme weather conditions. Engineers implemented innovative solutions, including specialized features such as blast-resistant foundations, high-strength steel arches, and a corrosion-resistant paint system with a lifespan of 15 years. The structure is engineered to endure earthquakes of up to magnitude 8, strong winds, and temperatures dipping as low as −20°C.
The bridge’s construction was supervised by the Konkan Railway Corporation on behalf of Indian Railways, with design contributions from WSP Finland and arch design from Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, alongside support from Vienna Consulting Engineers. The arch was completed by April 2021, with the entire structure finished in August 2022. Trial runs commenced in June 2024, leading to the inauguration in 2025.
A Strategic Connection for Kashmir
The Chenab Rail Bridge is a vital component of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which is a 169‐mile all-weather railway aimed at linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India for the first time by rail. The bridge lies approximately 39 miles from the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border with Pakistan, adding strategic importance to its existence.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in the project, highlighting its significance as a testament to India’s engineering capabilities. He shared on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
The completion of the Chenab Rail Bridge not only enhances connectivity in the region but also symbolizes India’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure despite geographical and environmental challenges. This landmark achievement stands as a beacon of progress, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and dedication to improving transport links across the diverse Indian landscape.
