Chenab Bridge, World’s Tallest Railway Bridge, Set to Become a Top Tourist Attraction
The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the tallest railway bridge globally, is set to transform into a tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to witness this engineering marvel. Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, the 1.3 km-long bridge stands at a height of 359 meters over the River Chenab, surpassing the Eiffel Tower’s height by 35 meters. Constructed with 28,660 metric tonnes of steel and designed with reinforced concrete arches, the bridge is expected to have a lifespan of 120 years, capable of withstanding winds up to 266 km per hour. As part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla railway link project, the Chenab Bridge will not only serve as a crucial transportation route but also attract tourists eager to witness its architectural brilliance.
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla railway link project, initiated in 2002, is a challenging venture by Indian Railways, featuring the 111-km Katra–Banihal section with 119 km of tunnels and the longest tunnel in India at 12.75 km. Comprising 927 bridges with a total length of 13 km, the project aims to enhance connectivity in the region. Once operational, the Chenab Bridge, connecting Baramulla with Srinagar, will reduce travel time by seven hours. The completion of the arches in April 2021 and the overall bridge construction in August 2022 paved the way for regular train services, expected to commence by the end of 2023 or early 2024. Recognizing the tourism potential, authorities plan to develop the area around the Chenab Bridge as a prominent travel destination, adding to the attractions of Reasi district in Kashmir.
