On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world's tallest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge, situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he will kick off the long-anticipated Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, as stated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh via an official post on X (previously known as Twitter).
The 359-metre-tall steel arch bridge towering over the Chenab River exceeds even the iconic Eiffel Tower in terms of height. This impressive construction forms an essential part of the 272-kilometer-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). For the very first time, this linkage will provide a seamless railway connection from Kashmir Valley directly into the rest of India. Boasting remarkable feats such as 36 tunnels stretching across 119 kilometers and almost 1,000 bridges, this project showcases exceptional engineering prowess within one of South Asia’s most earthquake-prone regions.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh celebrated the occasion as "a historic event," remarking, "The impressive Chenab Bridge... rises high in Jammu and Kashmir."
The project faced severe geographical hurdles and setbacks, demanding 30,000 metric tons of steel along with incorporating advanced engineering feats such as resisting winds exceeding 250 km/h. The foundational structure called S20 spans approximately one-third the area of a football pitch, highlighting the grand scope and aspiration behind this endeavor.
As part of an extensive plan to boost logistics, defense capabilities, and social integration within Jammu and Kashmir, this railway connection aims to quicken the pace of tourism, commerce, and strategic activities in the area. Engineered with overhead electrical equipment (OHE) and advanced tunnel security measures, the track will provide sustainable, efficient transportation over time.
The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train, originally set to begin operations on April 19, 2025, has been delayed because of unfavorable weather conditions and the cancelation of Prime Minister Modi’s visit. The inauguration of this railway service follows increased local tensions, such as the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, which have added new importance to the route for fostering national unity and ensuring safety.
The railway authorities have praised the project as emblematic of New India’s engineering prowess and strategic determination. A high-ranking Railway Board official informed The Times of India, "This initiative goes beyond merely constructing a bridge; it's also about linking the emotions and ambitions of the people in Kashmir with those across the nation."
The USBRL initiative further highlights the government’s ongoing efforts towards fostering economic development in distant and frontier areas via enhanced infrastructure. As per sources from within Rail Bhawan, the subsequent stage will involve integrating passenger and cargo operations seamlessly using digitized control systems along with real-time surveillance aimed at ensuring both effectiveness and safety throughout the region.