Chenab Bridge—World’s Highest Rail Bridge

01 September 2024

The Chenab Rail Bridge was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in February 2024. The bridge is constructed with an overall cost of Rs 14,000 crore. Situated between Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi town of Jammu and Kashmir, the arch bridge is, at present, the highest single-arched railway bridge in the world. Also known as the Chenab Arch Bridge, the bridge is considered taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. In the recent past, in India, the railway project of constructing the Chenab bridge is regarded as the massive civil-engineering feat, considering the rough and difficult terrain of the Himalayas where it is built. The bridge got the government nod in 2003, and after five years, the project of constructing such a colossal bridge was given on contract. Later, all the mandatory tests were conducted on the bridge over Chenab river in J&K. The bridge successfully passed these tests, thereby overcoming the concerns regarding its safety and stability. After 20 years of long wait, the bridge will be an important landmark in the history of railroad.

River Chenab

A tributary of the Indus river, the Chenab is an important river of India that flows in Pakistan as well. When the two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, join together, the Chenab river gets formed. This confluence occurs at Tandi in Lahaul and Spiti, located in Himachal Pradesh (i.e., in the Upper Himalayan region). It is also referred to as the Chandrabhaga while in its upper reaches. The Chenab flows from its source into Jammu region of J&K and then towards west, between the Siwalik Range and the Lesser Himalayas. Further, it turns towards southwest and flows into Pakistan. Then, it flows downhill into vast alluvial plains of the Punjab province. When the river approaches Trimmu, the Jhelum river, Sohan, Marusudar and other tributaries join the Chenab, and then it drains into the Sutlej river in Pakistan, which is a tributary of the Indus river. The length of the Chenab is 974 km, and its water is supplied to a number of canals.

Importance of the Chenab river The Chenab is significant in terms of social, economical, and ecological aspects of J&K region. Agriculture in the Chenab valley region is dependent on its waters for irrigation. This is vital for the survival of farmers living there. Besides, hydropower is generated through the fast-flowing water of the river, which adds to the power generation capacity of the region. Since the beginning, Chenab has been an important trade route for the merchants. It establishes a link between the plains and the mountainous regions, thereby enabling transportation and trade. Further, the river is enriched with a variety of aquatic species, such as the Indus dolphin.

Some Salient Features of the Bridge

Standing at an astonishing height, i.e., 359 metres above the river bed, the bridge is made up of the steel arch. In comparison to the symbolic Eiffel Tower in France, the Chenab bridge is 35 metres higher. Besides, the length of the bridge is 1,315 metres, having 17 spans. Out of these, the length of the span of the main arch, which runs across the Chenab river, is 467m.
The Chenab bridge is regarded as a vital part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which costs Rs 35,000 crore. The project facilitates linkage in rough topography and harsh weather conditions, thereby fulfilling its purpose of enhancing connectivity in J&K. Broadly speaking, the Chenab bridge comes under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the ambitious project of the Government of India that focuses on establishing a link between Kashmir and other states of the country.
The arch of the Chenab bridge was constructed in a three-year period by the engineers. They used a couple of colossal cable cranes; each of these was installed on the Kauri and Bakkal banks of the river.
The bridge was built with the help of:

10 lakh cubic metres of earthwork;
28,660 metric tonnes of steel;
66,000 cubic metres of concrete;
constructing motorable roads of 26 km.

The huge arch of the bridge is made up of sturdy steel boxes that are filled with concrete, thereby strengthening stability.
There are 93 deck segments in the bridge. The weight of each of these segments is 85 tonnes.
The bridge has been built with the collaboration of different international organisations and well-known Indian institutes, such as DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology), and GSI (Geological Survey of India), showcasing India’s commitment to leveraging expertise for national projects.
The bridge has remarkable durability and is expected to cover a lifespan of 120 years. It can resist high-velocity winds, i.e., wind speeds up to 266 km per hour.
For the first time in India, the bridge is designed as ‘blast-proof’ in accordance with DRDO. Besides, it can endure the highest intensity earthquakes occurring in the nation, i.e., Zone-V earthquake forces.
For weld testing, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing machine was used for the first time in the Indian Railways. For the same purpose, lab certified with National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has been set up at site again for the first time in the Indian Railways.
With the help of the state of art instrumentation, there has been an arrangement of extensive health monitoring and warning systems.
The bridge has been designed for the trains that run at a rapid speed of 100 km per hour.

What is Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project (USBRL)?

Regarded as the project of national importance, USBRL is the government project that was announced in March 2002. Indian Railways undertook it as, one of the most demanding projects. This rail project is an enormous one in the region that starts from Katra to Banihal, spreading over 111 kilometres of winding route. Under this project, the Indian Railways will have to build 38 tunnels, having a total length of 119 km. Out of these, the longest tunnel would be T-49, spanning across 12.75 km. Thus, it will be the longest tunnel for transportation in the country. Besides, the Indian Railways will also build 927 bridges, having a total length of 13 km. Once the project becomes fully operational, Vande Bharat Metro train will run between J&K.

Importance of the Chenab Bridge

Being the highest railway bridge in the world, its construction showcases advanced engineering techniques and resilience against harsh weather conditions.
This bridge is a crucial part of the USBRL, which aims to provide all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India. It addresses the challenges of seasonal road closures, particularly during winter months.
The bridge enhances India’s military capabilities by facilitating the year-round transport of personnel and equipment to border areas, thereby strengthening India’s strategic position in the region, especially in the light of tensions with Pakistan and China.
By improving transport links, the Chenab bridge is expected to significantly benefit the local economy, particularly the agricultural sector. It will enable farmers to access broader markets, especially southern India which were earlier concentrated in northern states like Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi; thus, increasing their income potential.
The bridge is anticipated to boost tourism in Kashmir by providing faster and more affordable access to the region’s scenic attractions. A direct rail link could halve travel time, making it easier for tourists to visit.
The construction of the bridge aligns with India’s broader strategy to integrate J&K more closely with the rest of the country. It is part of a larger infrastructural expansion following the abrogation of Article 370, which aimed to enhance stability and reduce regional tensions.
The bridge has been designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high winds and seismic activity, ensuring its durability and safety for long-term use. It can endure wind speeds of up to 266 km/h and is built to be blast-proof.
With an expected lifespan of around 120 years, the Chenab bridge represents a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure, contributing to sustainable development and improved connectivity for future generations.
Beyond its functional benefits, the Chenab bridge stands as a symbol of progress and development for J&K, reflecting India’s aspirations to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth in the region.

Challenges for the Chenab Bridge

The region surrounding the Chenab bridge has been plagued by incidents of violence and militant activity, particularly following an attack in June 2024 that resulted in the deaths of nine Hindu pilgrims. Such security challenges pose significant risks to the bridge’s operation and the safety of passengers.
Kashmir has a long history of political unrest and conflict, which can impede development projects and infrastructure stability. The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over the region further complicate the situation, potentially affecting the bridge’s strategic significance.
The shifting focus of militant activity from the Kashmir Valley to the relatively calmer Jammu region raises concerns about the safety of infrastructure projects like the Chenab bridge. Increased militant presence could threaten construction, maintenance, and operational activities.
While some locals view the bridge as a means to improve connectivity and economic opportunities, there are fears that it may also lead to increased governmental control over the region. This ambivalence can create friction between the government and local communities, complicating the bridge’s integration into the socio-economic fabric of the area.
The Himalayan terrain presents unique environmental challenges, including harsh weather conditions and seismic activity.
The construction and maintenance of the bridge require navigating difficult terrain and ensuring the stability of the surrounding area. The remote location poses logistical challenges for transporting materials and conducting repairs.
The success of the Chenab bridge in boosting the local economy depends on effective last-mile connectivity. Without sufficient infrastructure to link the bridge to local markets, the anticipated economic benefits may not materialise.
There are apprehensions regarding demographic changes in the region, as the bridge may facilitate the influx of non-local populations, potentially altering the cultural and social landscape of Kashmir.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the bridge amidst ongoing political and social tensions will require continuous investment in security, maintenance, and community engagement.
The bridge is part of a larger railway project aimed at enhancing connectivity in J&K. However, its success hinges on the timely completion of the entire railway line and the integration of supporting infrastructure.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Chenab bridge stands as a testament to India’s commitment to infrastructure development and regional integration. Its successful completion after two decades of planning and construction not only enhances connectivity but also reflects the government’s strategic vision for J&K. As the bridge becomes operational, it is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region, promoting stability, and fostering a sense of unity within the diverse fabric of India.