In a momentous achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest Railway Bridge “Chenab” over the “Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.”
This architectural marvel, taller than the Eiffel Tower, symbolizes the triumph of engineering over adversity, marking a significant leap in India’s transportation infrastructure. Approved in 2003 and contracted in 2008, the Chenab Bridge is a testament to India’s commitment to overcoming challenges and ushering in a new era of connectivity.
Article Highlights
Chenab Bridge:
The Chenab Bridge stretches between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, serving as a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. Part of the Rs 35,000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, it is designed to enhance connectivity in the challenging topography and weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Soaring to a height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower, the bridge is a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. Despite the challenges, the bridge, with a price tag of Rs 14,000 crore, is a testament to India’s commitment to strategic infrastructure development.
Is Chenab Bridge Is Safe?:
Rigorous testing, including high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures, earthquake-prone scenarios, and hydrological impacts, ensures the bridge’s stability and safety. Compliance with the ambitious “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” project fosters connectivity between Kashmir and other states.
A three-year endeavour utilizing mammoth cable cranes on both banks of the Chenab showcases advanced engineering techniques. The bridge’s 2015 km approach road and earthquake-resistant design emphasize its robustness.
Bridge Purpose:
The bridge serves a dual purpose, aiding the armed forces in this strategic region and boosting tourism. After two decades of anticipation, the bridge promises to be a game-changer for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The bridge is a crucial component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, expected to provide all-weather connectivity to the region. The reduction of travel time from Katra to Srinagar by five hours is poised to transform transportation in the area.
Boost To Tourism:
The completion of the Chenab Bridge is poised to boost tourism, providing a fillip to the local economy. Faster and safer transportation of goods and people is expected to catalyze economic growth in the region.
The construction phase has already provided employment opportunities for thousands in the region, contributing to the local economy. Beyond its physical stature, the Chenab Bridge symbolizes a bridge to prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Beyond Chenab Bridge:
PM Modi’s visit not only marks the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge but includes projects worth Rs 32,000 crore, emphasizing holistic development. Projects like AIIMS Jammu, the new terminal building at Jammu Airport, and urban and infrastructural developments showcase a comprehensive approach.
The inauguration of educational institutions such as IITs and IIMs underlines the government’s commitment to bolstering education. Development of Common User Facility Petroleum depot and civic infrastructure projects promises economic growth and public welfare.
Conclusion:
As the Chenab Railway Bridge stands tall, it not only connects regions but bridges the gap between aspiration and reality. The culmination of this ambitious project signifies not just a triumph in engineering but a promise of progress, prosperity, and connectivity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The vision outlined by PM Modi goes beyond a single bridge, encapsulating a transformative journey towards holistic development and growth.
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