South Asia
Chenab Railway Bridge Engineering marvel: India is building world's highest railway bridge
Jammu & Kashmir, India: The world's highest railway bridge is being built over the Chenab River, which flows between India and Pakistan. The height of this bridge will be 359 meters. The arch of this bridge has already been constructed. The railway bridge connecting Bakkal in Katra and Kauri in Srinagar will be 35 meters higher than the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.
According to media reports, the cost of the 1315 meters (4314 ft) long bridge, which is being constructed with 28,600 tons of steel, has been estimated at Rs 1486 crore.
Though Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw did not mention any deadline in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha (lower house of India's bicameral Parliament), media quoted their sources as saying that if all goes well, the bridge could be opened for rail operations by December 2022. The bridge, which is being built at such a high altitude in a difficult hilly region, is said to be a technological marvel.
In her recent tweet, India's Minister of State for Railways, Darshana Jardosh, said, "Once completed, the 359-meter-high bridge will be the world's highest railway bridge and will be considered a marvel of technology."
The 1315-metre-long Chenab Railway Bridge will connect Bakkal in Katra and Kauri in Srinagar. Photo: Konkan Railway
The bridge is being built in such a way that it can withstand all adverse weather conditions. An official of the Indian Ministry of Railways said the bridge will not be damaged even if the temperature drops below minus 20 degree Celsius or a storm with a wind-speed of 260 km per hour.
The official said if the wind blows at a speed of more than 90 kilometers per hour, the signal will automatically turn red.
In addition, special 63 mm thick explosive-resistant steel is being used in Kashmir in view of the threat of militant attack. The pillars of the bridge will also be able to withstand explosives. Special paint will be applied to prevent erosion of the bridge, which will last up to 15 years. Air surveillance will be carried out for the safety of the bridge. Trains and passengers will also be monitored online.
With the construction of the bridge, Jammy and Kashmir is expected to become a new tourist destination, attracting foreign tourists and boosting Kashmir's economy.
