Srinagar flights get more scenic as air travellers capture Chenab rail bridge photos from the sky while pilots make special announcements

Time of India

3 hours ago

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In the days following the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge , a remarkable shift has taken place—not just on the ground, but in the skies. Passengers flying over Jammu and Kashmir have turned into accidental aerial photographers, capturing breathtaking views of one of India's most iconic engineering achievements from 30,000 feet in the air. The world's highest railway arch bridge has not only redefined connectivity in the region but also become a moment of collective pride for travellers who spot it from their flight windows.From the air, the Chenab Bridge is a visual marvel—its sweeping arch stretches across the mighty Chenab River, seamlessly connecting two mountainous cliffs in the rugged terrain of the Reasi district. Its dramatic presence, framed by winding rivers and lush hills, creates a postcard-perfect sight that instantly inspires awe. The clarity with which the massive structure reveals itself from the sky has turned routine flights into memorable journeys. Flight crews now often announce the landmark as the aircraft approaches the region, prompting passengers to rush to their windows and capture the sight with phones and cameras.One particular aerial video recently shared by a traveller flying from Srinagar to Delhi shows the bridge in full glory, cutting majestically through the landscape. The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread appreciation for the feat of Indian engineering. It has become common for claps to erupt mid-air as passengers recognize what they are seeing. In some cases, the moment has moved people to tears of pride.The bridge, which towers 359 metres above the riverbed—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower—is now more than just an infrastructure project. It is a symbol of ambition, perseverance, and the power of engineering to unite a region long cut off by geography. Built as part of the larger Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, the Chenab Bridge connects Katra to Sangaldan, and ultimately, will link New Delhi to the Kashmir Valley via rail for the first time in Indian history.The railway line now allows trains, including the newly flagged Vande Bharat Express, to traverse a route that once took six to seven hours by road in just about three hours. The convenience, safety, and efficiency this brings for residents, tourists, and pilgrims is monumental—but the emotional impact of this bridge is just as significant.The construction itself is a testament to India's engineering capabilities. The region posed numerous challenges, from seismic activity and treacherous terrain to harsh weather conditions. Engineers had to innovate continuously, even employing a world-class cable-crane system—the first time Indian Railways used such technology—to span a 915-metre-wide gorge. Two massive cable cars and towering pylons over 100 metres high helped ferry materials to the heart of the construction site. Over 28,000 metric tonnes of steel were used to complete the bridge, designed to withstand wind speeds up to 266 km/h.While aerial views continue to flood social media platforms, the excitement is not limited to those in the air. On the ground, villagers from nearby areas are trekking to higher vantage points to catch a glimpse of the bridge and document it with mobile phones. People are live-streaming from hillsides, sharing real-time footage on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.