World’s Tallest Rail Bridge Brings All-Weather Connectivity to Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, as part of a high-value launch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project in Jammu & Kashmir.

Image Source: PMOIndia on X

Constructed at a height of 359 meters above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long Chenab Bridge is an engineering marvel designed to withstand seismic activity and strong winds. It now connects the Kashmir Valley to India’s national railway grid via all-weather, high-speed rail.

The USBRL project, completed at a cost of ₹43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, spanning 272 km from Udhampur to Baramulla. It dramatically reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar to approximately three hours.

We are proud of Prof Madhavi Latha & her team's contribution to the #ChenabBridge inaugurated by Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi🎉
The team worked on stability of slopes, design & construction of foundations, design of slope stabilisation systems incl. rock anchors to withstand hazards. pic.twitter.com/BApCSJTRZX

— IISc Bangalore (@iiscbangalore) June 6, 2025

“This is not just steel and concrete—this is the spirit of a new India standing tall in the mountains,” the Prime Minister said, calling the bridge a symbol of engineering excellence and national resolve.

The Prime Minister also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Katra and Srinagar, offering faster, more reliable travel for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.

The adjacent Anji Bridge, built in a geologically sensitive zone, uses a single pylon cable-stayed design and will enhance safety and stability in the treacherous terrain.

इतिहास रचने को तैयार है श्री माता वैष्णो देवी कटड़ा - श्रीनगर वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस! #ChenabBridge pic.twitter.com/JoL9ZrENxG

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 6, 2025

“From Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer just a slogan—it’s now a reality even on our railway map,” said the PM.

Beyond rail, the PM launched a series of road and healthcare projects, including new flyovers in Srinagar, road widening from Rafiabad to Kupwara, and the foundation stone for a new ₹350 crore medical college in Reasi district.

Together, these initiatives represent over ₹46,000 crore in development projects.