Chenab Bridge

About Chenab Bridge:

• Location: It is located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• The 1.3-km-long bridge is located 359 metres above the Chenab riverbed.
• It is the highest single-arch railway bridge in the world.
• It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project.
• Features:
  • The arch consists of steel boxes. Concrete has been filled in the boxes to improve stability.
  • The bridge has been designed with a life span of 120 years. 
  • It has been designed to withstand high wind speeds of up to 266 Kmph. 
  • It is capable of withstanding the nation’s maximum intensity zone-V earthquake forces.

Key Facts about Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project:

• The USBRL Project involves the construction of a railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla, joining the Kashmir valley with the Indian Railways network.
• Aim: To connect Kashmir to the rest of the country and give a push to development in the valley.
• Total Length: 272 km
• The project was declared a “National Project” in 2002.
• The project includes the construction of several bridges and tunnels along the route.
• This project involves 38 tunnels (combined length of 119 Km), with the longest tunnel (T-49) having a length of 12.75 Km and is the country's longest transportation tunnel. 
• There are 927 nos. of bridges (combined length of 13 Km), including the iconic Chenab Bridge.
• The project includes the Indian Railway's first cable-stayed, bridge which is being constructed on Anji Khad.