In approximately 2 years, Jammu and Kashmir will be home to the world’s highest railway bridge across Chenab river. The bridge is supposed to be 35 m taller than the world-famous Eiffel Tower and will rise 359 m above the Chenab bed. After completion, it will be the world’s highest railway bridge surpassing China’s 275 m tall Shuibai bridge over the Beipan River.
This massive arch-shaped structure is expected to be ready by 2019 and will connect Bakkal in Katra and Kauri in Srinagar. The entire project will cost a whopping 1,100 crores in hostile terrain and will require 24,000 tonnes of steel. The special blast-proof steel to be used in the construction can withstand heavy attacks and has resistance to extremely low temperatures. To ensure the safety of the passengers, an aerial ring of security, online monitoring and a warning system will also be installed.
As per a senior Railway Ministry Official “The construction of the bridge is the most challenging part of the Kashmir rail link project and once completed, it will be an engineering marvel”.
The bridge will serve as a crucial link to connect Kashmir with other parts of the country as the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remains blocked for most parts of the season due to snow and landslides.
