Indian Railways marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the successful trial run of a train on the newly constructed Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge. This engineering marvel, located between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi, is set to revolutionize rail connectivity in the region. Officials have announced that regular rail services on this route will commence soon.
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the momentous news on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Successful trial run of MEMU train between Sangaldan – Reasi section of USBRL project. Jammu & Kashmir,” he posted, highlighting the achievement within the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Connectivity and economic boost for Jammu and Kashmir
Currently, Indian Railways operates services along the extensive route from Kanyakumari to Katra, and from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. The completion of the USBRL project is slated for the end of the year, promising enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the region.
The USBRL project, which includes the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20, 2024. This ambitious project has been progressing in phases: Phase I, the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. The subsequent phases saw the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section opened in June 2013, and the 25 km long Udhampur-Katra section inaugurated in July 2014.
Standing at an impressive height of 359 metres (around 1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, the Chenab Rail Bridge surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower by approximately 35 metres. The 1,315 metre-long bridge is a critical component of the broader initiative to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railway network, ensuring greater accessibility and fostering development.