World's Highest Railway Bridge

On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's highest railway bridge—Chenab Rail Bridge—in Jammu and Kashmir.

This landmark event marks a major milestone in India’s railway and infrastructure development history. The bridge is not only an engineering marvel of India but also a symbol of connectivity and national pride.

Key Highlights of the Chenab Rail Bridge

• Location: Over the Chenab River in the Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir

• Chenab Bridge height: 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the riverbed, 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower

• Type: Steel arch railway bridge, the tallest arch bridge in the world

• Project Name: Part of the Indian Railways Chenab project under the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)

• Completion Timeline: Final phase of the USBRL project completed in December 2024

Significance for Rail and Regional Development

The world's highest railway bridge is a critical link in connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. It strengthens the rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir by establishing direct railway access to Srinagar.

• Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: PM Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat train service connecting Katra to Srinagar

• Bridge connecting Kashmir by train: Ensures all-weather rail connectivity across mountainous terrain

Strategic and National Importance

• Enhances movement in border-sensitive areas and boosts strategic logistics

• Part of a broader initiative for infrastructure development in Kashmir

• Supports socio-economic integration, tourism, and local trade

Other Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated

Alongside the world's highest railway bridge, PM Modi inaugurated

• Anji Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge

• Flyovers at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44)

• Road Projects—Rafiabad-Kupwara Road (NH-701) and Shopian Bypass (NH-444)

• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence—the first medical college in Reasi, worth ₹350 crore

USBRL Project Timeline

The USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project spans 272 km and is key to linking Kashmir by rail.

Important for SSC Exams

• Focus keyword: World's highest railway bridge—Chenab Bridge

• Static GK: Chenab Bridge height, location, type

• Current Affairs relevance: Infrastructure push in J&K, Vande Bharat connectivity

Expected questions in SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, and Railways NTPC exams

Final Thoughts

The world's highest railway bridge is more than just a rail link—it's a statement of India’s engineering excellence, strategic foresight, and regional development.

SSC aspirants must remember its height, significance, location, and its connection to larger projects like USBRL and Vande Bharat services.