JUNE 06: In a momentous development for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation at large, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two of India’s most significant infrastructure projects — the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, the country’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
Both bridges form vital components of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which aims to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country through an all-weather rail network.
The Chenab Bridge, spanning 1.3 kilometers and rising 359 meters above the Chenab River in Reasi district, is now the tallest railway bridge in the world — surpassing even the height of the Eiffel Tower. Designed to endure extreme weather conditions and seismic activity, it stands as a shining example of Indian engineering excellence and determination.
The Anji Bridge, located between Katra and Reasi, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Suspended over a deep gorge of the Anji River, it combines advanced design with structural durability. This bridge addresses one of the most challenging terrains of the Himalayan region and will greatly improve travel efficiency and safety in the area.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these projects are more than engineering marvels — they are milestones in India’s journey of progress. “These bridges are not just made of steel and concrete; they are built on the dreams of millions, connecting people, places, and possibilities,” he said.
The opening of these bridges is expected to boost tourism, enhance regional connectivity, and generate employment in the Union Territory. Most importantly, it strengthens the physical and emotional bond between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India.
Officials noted that both projects faced extreme technical and logistical challenges, given the topography and climatic conditions, but were completed with world-class standards and indigenous expertise.
With this historic inauguration, Jammu & Kashmir stands at the threshold of a new chapter — one of connectivity, opportunity, and national integration. These bridges not only span rivers but also bridge distances between aspirations and achievements.