A senior professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently visited the Chenab Railway Bridge and was awestruck by its scale and precision. The visit highlights the engineering brilliance behind the world’s highest railway bridge, part of the Katra rail link project in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Chenab Rail Bridge Stuns with Engineering Marvel, Says IISc Expert
The mighty Chenab Railway Bridge, the tallest in the world, continues to draw admiration not only from travelers but also from India’s top scientists and engineers. Recently, an expert from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) visited the bridge site and was overwhelmed by its scale, design, and construction precision.
The bridge is part of the strategic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting Katra to Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir, and spans the deep gorge of the Chenab River at a height of 359 meters—taller than the Eiffel Tower.
“Its true magnitude hits you only when you stand before it,” said the IISc expert during the visit. “The precision, stability, and structural beauty of this bridge are beyond imagination.”
Constructed by Konkan Railway under the guidance of Indian Railways, the bridge is not just an infrastructure marvel but also a symbol of India’s resolve to boost connectivity in the Himalayan region. Designed to withstand earthquakes, extreme winds, and harsh weather, the Chenab Bridge is made of corrosion-resistant steel and features high-strength foundations embedded deep into the rock.
The project, which faced several technical and geological challenges, is seen as a crucial link in bringing the remote parts of the Union Territory into the national mainstream. Once fully operational, the USBRL will provide all-weather rail connectivity and reduce dependence on road travel, which often gets disrupted due to landslides and snowfall.
- Height: 359 meters above riverbed (taller than Eiffel Tower)
- Length: 1,315 meters
- Materials: 63,000 metric tonnes of steel
- Wind Resistance: Can withstand wind speeds up to 260 km/h
- Seismic Resilience: Built to endure Zone V earthquake conditions
- Boosts tourism and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir
- Strategic military and civilian access to remote regions
- Showcases India’s engineering capability on a global stage
The bridge is expected to open for public rail transport soon, transforming not just travel, but also the perception of India’s infrastructure prowess.
