In a powerful blend of engineering brilliance and political symbolism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge—an architectural feat that now holds the distinction of being the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Towering 359 meters above the river it spans, higher than the Eiffel Tower, the bridge stands as a testament to India’s capacity to deliver transformative infrastructure in some of its most challenging terrains.

Located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the Chenab Bridge is not just an engineering marvel; it is a national milestone. Designed as part of the larger 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), the bridge connects remote corners of the region to the rest of India—figuratively bridging not only geographic divides but also emotional and economic distances that have long persisted.

Prime Minister Modi, during his visit, walked across the structure proudly waving the national flag. He later took to social media, posting a video of the inauguration and captioning it: “Highlights from a memorable visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Bridge are transformative projects!” His presence was more than ceremonial—it was a clear message of integration and investment in the region, just weeks after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

The bridge’s impact on mobility is profound. Once fully operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just three hours. In a landscape historically marked by difficult terrain and seasonal inaccessibility, this is a game-changer. It ensures year-round connectivity for the Kashmir Valley, a region often isolated due to weather or conflict.

Constructing the Chenab Bridge was no ordinary task. Engineers and workers faced extreme temperatures, challenging geology, and difficult logistics. Yet, the project moved forward with a quiet resilience. The inauguration ceremony also featured a photo exhibition chronicling the complex stages of construction—offering visitors, including PM Modi, a glimpse into the determination that shaped the bridge. The Prime Minister interacted with the engineers and laborers who toiled through adversities, acknowledging their unsung heroism.

Alongside the Chenab Bridge, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge—another crucial segment of the USBRL project—and flagged off the first Vande Bharat express train service from Katra to Srinagar. These moves not only signal infrastructural progress but also a broader strategy aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and social integration within the region.

The Chenab Bridge is not merely steel and concrete—it is a statement. It tells a story of ambition, of people who worked against nature and odds, and of a government striving to script a new chapter for a historically sensitive region. As trains begin to pass through this elevated artery, what will move with them is more than passengers—it is a vision of unity, progress, and promise.

Narendra Modi Chenab Rail Bridge