Chenab Bridge Inaugurated: World's Highest Rail Bridge Marks Engineering Milestone for India

Jammu & Kashmir, 7 June 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, hailing it as a transformative link connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India. Towering 359 metres above the riverbed, the bridge stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and resilience in the face of extreme geographical challenges.

Constructed by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the Chenab Bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link and has been dubbed a modern engineering marvel. Built across the treacherous terrain of the Himalayas, the project presented formidable obstacles—chief among them, accessing the remote construction site.

“At the outset, we had to rely on mules and horses to transport materials,” said a company spokesperson. “Eventually, we built an 11-kilometre road on the north bank and a 12-kilometre road on the south side just to reach the site.”

The bridge’s construction demanded specialised tools and unprecedented engineering techniques. Afcons deployed the world’s tallest crossbar cable cranes and used advanced heavy machinery. To stabilise the slopes, consolidation grouting was carried out on the arch foundations. The arch itself was built using a cantilever technique, progressing simultaneously from both riverbanks.

A major breakthrough came in April 2021 when both sides of the steel arch met at the crown—an iconic moment in the project’s timeline.

Building the accompanying viaduct posed further complexity due to multiple transition zones. The construction team meticulously planned the launching sequence in four sections to manage the varying terrain.

“This bridge is a symbol of India’s resolve to conquer the most formidable challenges with ingenuity and courage,” said Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice Chairman of Afcons. “It’s not just a project; it’s an inspiration.”

For the first time in Indian Railways’ history, a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited lab was set up onsite to ensure the highest quality standards.

Afcons’ Managing Director called the bridge a testament to the company’s dedication to nation-building. “It reflects our ability to reimagine infrastructure in the toughest terrains and will inspire generations of Indian engineers,” he said.

The Chenab Bridge is now not only a lifeline for the region but a lasting symbol of engineering excellence and national unity.

Source: The Hindustan Times