World’s Highest Railway Bridge Opens in Kashmir, Linking Region Amid Conflict

India has officially opened the Chenab Railway Bridge, now recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge, dramatically transforming connectivity in conflict-hit Jammu and Kashmir.

Towering 359 meters above the Chenab River—35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower—the steel arch bridge stretches 1,315 meters across a deep gorge, forming a crucial link in the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Constructed using around 28,000 tonnes of steel, the Chenab Bridge can withstand high seismic activity, extreme temperatures, and winds up to 266 km/h, ensuring year-round rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley for the first time.

The bridge’s opening is not merely an engineering feat but a geopolitical milestone, as it strengthens transport links to the region, fosters economic growth, and underlines India’s strategic presence in an area long affected by insurgency and geopolitical tensions.

With its majestic arch now a visible landmark for air travelers flying into Srinagar, the Chenab Bridge is also set to become a major tourism draw, further integrating Kashmir into India’s economic and cultural landscape.

The USBRL project, spanning 272 kilometers and featuring 36 tunnels and nearly 1,000 bridges, is expected to cut travel times between Jammu and Srinagar by several hours, offering a faster, safer alternative to the treacherous mountain roads currently in use.

Officials hope the bridge will symbolize not just modern infrastructure but a new era of connection and stability for Jammu and Kashmir

🌉 Chenab Railway Bridge — Engineering Marvel

Record-Breaking Specs

✅ Height:

The bridge stands 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the riverbed — about 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.

It’s officially the highest railway bridge in the world, surpassing even the Beipanjiang Bridge in China (which is taller but carries a road, not a railway).

✅ Length & Span:

Total length: 1,315 meters (4,314 feet)

Main arch span: 467 meters (1,532 feet) — one of the longest steel arches globally.

✅ Materials Used:

Approx. 28,000–30,000 tonnes of steel went into its construction.

Uses specialized steel designed to withstand severe temperatures (from -20°C to 45°C) and high wind speeds up to 266 km/h.

✅ Seismic Safety:

Engineered to resist earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.

Built in an active seismic zone, the design uses shock absorbers and special bearings to handle ground motion.

✅ Blast Resistance:

The bridge is designed with blast-proof steel and structures, given the region’s strategic and security concerns.

🚄 USBRL Project