Chenab Railway Bridge
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: FE
Context: Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the Chenab Railway Bridge marking the completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project.
• It is now officially the tallest railway bridge in the world, symbolizing engineering excellence and strategic connectivity.
About Chenab Railway Bridge:
• What is it?
• A steel-arch railway bridge built over the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir. Recognized as the tallest railway bridge globally with a height of 359 meters—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
• A steel-arch railway bridge built over the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Recognized as the tallest railway bridge globally with a height of 359 meters—35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
• Location:
• Situated between Bakkal and Kauri villages in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir. Forms a critical part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Connects Katra to Sangaldan, enabling rail access to Srinagar.
• Situated between Bakkal and Kauri villages in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Forms a critical part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
• Connects Katra to Sangaldan, enabling rail access to Srinagar.
• Who Built It?
• Executed by Konkan Railway Corporation. Constructed by a JV of Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction (South Korea), and VSL India.
• Executed by Konkan Railway Corporation.
• Constructed by a JV of Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction (South Korea), and VSL India.
• Key Features of the Bridge:
• Total Length: 1,315 meters (530 m approach + 785 m main arch). Wind Resistance: Up to 266 km/h and earthquake-resistant (up to magnitude 8). Temperature Tolerance: Up to –20°C. Blast-Proof: Designed to resist explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT. Lifespan: 120 years and trains can run up to 100 km/h.
• Total Length: 1,315 meters (530 m approach + 785 m main arch).
• Wind Resistance: Up to 266 km/h and earthquake-resistant (up to magnitude 8).
• Temperature Tolerance: Up to –20°C.
• Blast-Proof: Designed to resist explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT.
• Lifespan: 120 years and trains can run up to 100 km/h.
• Significance:
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens connectivity to Kashmir, a border-sensitive region. Engineering Feat: One of the most complex terrains and built in a high seismic zone (Zone V) with fractured geology. Boosts National Integration: Provides uninterrupted rail access to the Valley. Civil Engineering Landmark: Symbolizes India’s advancement in infrastructure and resilience. Tourism & Economic Growth: Promotes regional development and employment.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens connectivity to Kashmir, a border-sensitive region.
• Engineering Feat: One of the most complex terrains and built in a high seismic zone (Zone V) with fractured geology.
• Boosts National Integration: Provides uninterrupted rail access to the Valley.
• Civil Engineering Landmark: Symbolizes India’s advancement in infrastructure and resilience.
• Tourism & Economic Growth: Promotes regional development and employment.