Chenab Bridge Opens: Why It Was India's Biggest Engineering Challenge
Srinagar:
The Chenab bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is among the key infrastructure projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in Jammu and Kashmir. It is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) that marks a key milestone for Indian engineering. The project also includes India's first cable-stayed rail bridge at Anji Khad.
What Makes the Chenab Bridge Special
The 1.31-km-long Chenab bridge project was approved in 2003, and its construction took two decades to complete. There are various reasons that makes it special:
Built at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore, it is the world's highest railway bridge.
An engineering marvel, it is made with 28,660 mega tonnes of steel that can withstand sub-zero temperatures as well as up to 40 degrees.
At 359 metres, it is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 times and is at least five times the height of Qutub Minar. The government had described it as the "biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in recent history".
The biggest obstacle to its construction was the area's challenging topography and remote location. Construction is a tall task in the Himalayan region, given the need for transporting huge machinery and other resources.
The bridge can withstand wind speeds up to 266 km/hr and strong earthquakes. Decades of research and consultation were needed to ensure that it was strong enough for train movement and to withstand bad weather.
The bridge has been designed in a way that allows trains to pass through at a low speed even if a pier supporting the structure gets damaged.
Special Vande Bharats
PM Modi also launched Vande Bharat train services between Katra and Srinagar that will likely be a game-changer for tourism in Kashmir. The trains are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced features to ensure safety and passenger comfort.
The trains can run even in sub-zero temperatures. Its special features allow smooth operations in the extremely cold areas of Jammu and Kashmir. They are equipped with silicon heating pads to prevent water from freezing and bio-toilet tanks. The trains also come with an auto-draining mechanism and an anti-spall layer that will help loco pilots operate the train safely during bad weather.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Engineer going home for Eid, 3 brothers visiting Vaishno Devi – Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat takes off with 530 on board
ON SATURDAY morning, when the first Vande Bharat train with 530 passengers on board sounded the whistle at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi railway station here, it marked the beginning of a journey to Kashmir through various engineering marvels and three major geological thrust zones — Reasi, Murrie and Panjal. An electrically propelled engine hauled eight coaches of Vande Bharat on a historic trip from Katra to Srinagar railway station, a distance of 189 km, at 8:10 am sharp. Of this, 78 km falls between Banihal and Srinagar, and 111 km between Katra and Banihal. Nearly 97 km of this 111 km is through 27 tunnels, while another 7 km passes over 49 bridges, including the iconic Rail Arch Bridge over Chenab and the cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad. As the train left behind Katra town and entered the first 330-metre tunnel (T33) towards Reasi, Mohammad Yaseen, a young geological engineer from Kashmir, exclaimed, 'I have worked on its excavation.' Yaseen was on his way home in Kashmir to celebrate Eid with his parents, wife and child. Currently working on a railway line in Rishikesh, he arrived in Katra Saturday morning and boarded the Vande Bharat for Srinagar. 'My brother, who is coming home by air, is still at the Jammu airport, while I have almost reached Srinagar,' he said. Many passengers were pilgrims and tourists to Vaishno Devi, who changed their plans at the last minute to take the historic ride. Deepak Gupta, a government teacher from Uttar Pradesh, who came for 'darshan' with two younger brothers, was among them. 'On seeing that the ticket was available for Saturday in the first Vande Bharat to Kashmir, we decided to visit the Valley,' he said. The three will visit the Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra on their return journey. Anil Bhat, an IT engineer who migrated to Jammu with his parents from Kupwara district following the eruption of terrorism in 1990, said he is going to Kashmir after 35 years. Pointing out that he was 10 when his parents left the Valley, he said he has some faint memories of his native place. Accompanied by his parents, wife and a teenage daughter, Anil said his father Mohan Lal Bhat, 77, was visiting Kashmir after 20 years. 'We just wanted to explore the train journey and the bridge,' he said, adding that they parked their car at the Katra railway station. 'We will stay in Srinagar for two-three days and I may visit my native place in Kupwara.' As the train moved against the backdrop of the Shivaliks, Pir Panjal and the Himalayas, over India's highest and first cable-stayed rail bridge over Anji Khad and the world's highest rail bridge over Chenab river, the passengers were in awe. 'Our engineers have made it possible with their courage and determination,' said Kalpna Khatri, a housewife going to Kashmir for vacation with her husband and son. 'We are very excited as we will be in Srinagar in just three hours. Last time when we took a car, it took almost eight hours.' The train also connects people and places in isolated and rugged Shivalik and Pir Panjal ranges, said Alam Din of Sopore, who was visiting Kashmir to celebrate Eid with his friends. 'Had it not been for the train, I would have celebrated Eid at home in Jammu,' he said. Alam also pointed out that the train will help people in need of medical help in Kashmir reach super-speciality hospitals outside the Valley. The Katra-Srinagar rail line forms an important part of the 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which has been built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore. With heated windshields, advanced heating systems and insulated toilets, the train has been designed to overcome the region's challenging geography. During winter, a snow removal locomotive engine will move ahead to clear the tracks, while seismic dampers have been installed to absorb tremors, offering a safer and smoother journey in this high-risk zone, officials said. Scheduled to run six days a week, it has CORAS commandos deployed on the train, apart from dedicated staff for maintenance.
The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Northern Railways begins commercial operations of Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar
Passengers who boarded the trains from Katra to Baramulla, or vice versa, expressed immense enthusiasm, with many stating they had eagerly awaited the opportunity to travel to Kashmir by train. The Vande Bharat express train, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Katra on June 6, connects Kashmir with the rest of the country through rail. Jammu, Jun 7 (PTI) The Northern Railways on Saturday commenced commercial operations of Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, officials said. The first day of commercial operations went smoothly, as the trains reached their destinations by the evening, officials said. They added that public excitement was high, with most of the seats booked within hours of the train's inauguration. According to Northern Railway, two Vande Bharat train sets made four trips during the day between Katra and Srinagar. They said the train has two travel classes — Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC) — with tickets priced at Rs 715 and Rs 1,320, respectively. PTI AB NB NB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Thinking of going to Africa for an animal safari? Here's why you should plan one soon
The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of seeing a big cat in their natural habitat, the bumpy jeep rides & the satisfaction of finally getting what you came for - a safari, be it in Africa or India, is an exciting break away from the work-life hustle. Far removed from the luxuries that a city can offer, swapping a relaxing vacation to live in the jungle means roughing it, but this trend has become increasingly popular among people of all ages. A recent Thomas Cook report notes that, for around 75% of Indians, experiential travel is taking centre stage. And one such experience that's seeing an uptick is Wildlife Safaris (around 32%). They are all-inclusive, adventurous and allow travellers to come face-to-face with Nature. With safari season in Africa from May to August and Indian Safari season best done between October to June, this is the perfect time to plan your next trip. A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney) Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook India Limited, says, 'Africa has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for leisure travel for multigenerational families, young working professionals, and friend groups seeking one-of-a-kind outdoor and luxury experiences. There is also a lot of demand for wildlife safaris retreats from corporate MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups.' Botswana and Rwanda offer eco-conscious lodges, while other prefer to combine 'beach-and-bush' itineraries as travelers combine safaris in Kenya or Tanzania with a luxury retreat in Zanzibar, Seychelles, or South Africa's Cape Town. With the Indian passport ranked at 85 (Henley Passport Index 2025) and some 50 destinations allowing visa-free/visa-on-arrival, the travel preference leans to locations that make entry easy. Its also no secret that countries which make the visa process a breeze have seen Indians flock to those locales. A post shared by Ananya 🌙 (@ananyapanday) Africa wants to get in on the action. In January, South Africa introduced a new visa regime - the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). "This allows approved tour operators to register with the department and submit group visa applications for their travellers, streamlining the process and cutting through red tape," read a press note by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. Another reason that African safaris are gaining popularity? An increasing number of celebrities are vacationing there. Recently, actors Sydney Sweeney and Luke Evans, and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles shared snips from their jungle safaris. Even actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday have visited the continent and enjoyed an adventurous trip. A post shared by SIMONE BILES (@simonebiles) For travel blogger Mahek Desai, travelling to Africa's Masai Mara is a dream come true. 'I am doing a solo safari trip. It's my birthday gift to myself. I find myself happier with animals and I just know it is going to be amazing,' she says. On the other hand, retiree Rajnikant Mirkar and his wife Trupti have just got back form an 'unforgettable experience' with a jeep-load of memories. He says, 'We are nature lovers and we have visited most of India's wildlife sanctuaries. So we decided to head to Africa to experience it as well. We visited Kenya and Tanzania, along with the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro National Park. We're lucky to spot the big 5 - the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, and African buffalo.' Engineering student Nile Lopes has grown up watching wildlife documentaries on television. He says, 'Visiting Africa and going on a safari has been a childhood dream. We were followed by African buffalo, spotted a herd of elephant and zebras, and even saw a pride of lions resting in the shades of acacia trees.' If you are making plans to travel to Africa for the safari season, Manoj Adlakha, Founder & CEO, RedBeryl, shares a few tips that will help: Back home in India, jungle safaris are also gaining traction with celebrities like actor-couple Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar spending time in Jhalana Leopard Reserve in Jaipur and Kaziranga National Park, Assam. In May, giving further impetus to the tourism trend of safaris, the Maharashtra government approved a ₹286 crore tiger safari project in Chandrapur. On the other hand, in the Botanical Garden in Kondapur in Hyderabad, one can hop on a bus, don a VR headset and let nature come alive across a 2-kilometre safari ride, where you are transported to the dense forests of the Western and Eastern Ghats or Antarctica's icy slopes. You can also have digital encounters with big cats, penguins, and other exotic creatures. However, if you've been under the impression that safaris only happen in the summer or winter months in India, think again. Several Indian national parks are open to tourists during the monsoons. Wildlife photographer Priyansha Singh tells us, 'While the core zones in northern and central parts of India are closed in the rainy months (usually July to September), the southern parks, like Periyar (in Kerala), Nagarhole, Kabini, Bandipur (in Karnataka), and Ranthambore (in Rajasthan), etc, and the buffer zones are open." And publicist Priyanka Deepak Joshi couldn't agree more. During her recent trip ot Gir National Park (Gujarat) with her family, she spotted several big cats and has 'amazing experience'. 'I saw a lioness walk by our jeep and it was so thrilling. While the rains have made a difference, it actually makes spotting animals like lions more visually striking against the green background,' she tells us. Even resorts and hotels present in and around sanctuaries are seeing a higher number of requests for monsoon safaris. Rajat Gera, Commercial Director of Six Senses Fort Barwara, which is located in Ranthambore National Park, says, 'We've observed a notable evolution in the profile of luxury travelers visiting us during the rainy season." If you ask him what makes this type of safari an interesting travel time, he shares, "The Monsoon Safari reveals the forest in its most vibrant form — lush and teeming with new life. Following the dry summer, the rains breathe life back into the landscape and wildlife sightings take on an unexpected character. With fewer safari gates open, the experience becomes is exclusive and personal, as animals roam, play, and hunt once again.'
