Chenab Rail Bridge: The World Highest Railway Bridge

World Highest Railway Bridge: Overview

World highest railway bridge name is the Chenab railway bridge, can be found between Bakkal and Kauri in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region’s Reasi district. The bridge is around 359 meters above the Chenab River, which makes it the highest bridge in the World. The bridge stretched over 1315 meters in length, which makes it one of the longest railway bridges in India. The Chenab Rail Bridge’s arch was finished in April 2021, and the whole structure was finished in August 2022. It will likely begin accepting train traffic in late 2023 or early 2024.

The Ministry of Indian Railways is investing Rs14.86 billion ($181 million) in building a bridge as part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (JUSBRL) project. The bridge’s roadway will be 14 meters wide, with a median of 1.2 meters. The Chenab Bridge highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is considered to be the most challenging civil engineering project in recent Indian history. Keep reading to discover the location, significance and impact of the Chenab River Bridge on the local economy.

Top 10 Highest Railway Bridge in the World

Imagine a train gliding across a bridge that soars high above a river or valley. That’s the awe-inspiring feat of engineering behind the world highest railway bridge. These incredible structures push the boundaries of design and construction, allowing trains to travel across challenging terrain.

Get ready to be amazed as we explore the top 10 highest railway bridge in the world, reaching dizzying heights!

Rank	Bridge Name	Location	Height (meters)	Height (feet)	Opened	Interesting Fact
1	Dadu River Railway Bridge	China	380	1,247	2016	Part of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway line.
2	Chenab Bridge	India	362	1,188	2022	Crucial link on the USBRL project in Jammu and Kashmir.
3	Najiehe Railway Bridge	China	310	1,017	2016	Part of the Guiyang-Kunming High-Speed Railway line.
4	Jiangjiehe Railway Bridge	China	298	978	2015	Part of the Guizhou-Guangxi Railway line.
5	Mala Rijeka Viaduct	Montenegro	269	883	1975	Part of the Belgrade-Bar railway line.
6	Sutlej Bridge	India	260	853	2008	Part of the Shimla-Kalka Railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7	Besòs III Viaduct	Spain	248	814	2009	Part of the Barcelona-Vallès high-speed railway line.
8	Garabit Viaduct	France	122	400	1884	A historic engineering marvel built over the Truyère River.
9	Glenfinnan Viaduct	Scotland, UK	30	98	1901	Featured in the Harry Potter movies.
10	False Creek Bridge	Canada	88	289	1915	First swing bridge built on the west coast of North America.

World Highest Railway Bridge in India

India boasts a remarkable feat of engineering – the World Highest Railway Bridge in India, aptly named the Chenab Bridge. This awe-inspiring structure soars a staggering 362 meters (1,188 feet) above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

The Chenab Bridge: A Marvel of Modern Engineering

• A Record-Breaker: As of 2024, the Chenab Bridge holds the title of the world’s highest railway bridge. This incredible achievement is a testament to the skill and dedication of Indian engineers.
  
• Conquering Challenges: Building a bridge at such a height presented numerous challenges. Special techniques and materials were used to withstand the harsh Himalayan environment.
  
• A Crucial Link: The Chenab Bridge is a vital part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This project aims to improve connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and other parts of India.

The Journey Behind the Chenab Bridge

• A Long Road to Completion: Construction of the Chenab Bridge world highest railway bridge began in 2002 and faced several hurdles due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions. Finally, in 2022, the bridge was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone.
  
• Innovation at its Finest: The design and construction of the Chenab Bridge incorporated cutting-edge technologies. For example, a special cable crane system was used to transport heavy materials across the valley.

The world highest railway bridge Chenab is more than just a bridge; it’s a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and a testament to human ingenuity. So, the next time you hear about the world’s highest railway bridge, remember the name – Chenab Bridge – a true engineering marvel in the Himalayas!

Highest Bridge in World

The world of bridges is full of awe-inspiring structures, each pushing the boundaries of design and construction. While India’s Chenab Bridge reigns supreme as the world’s highest railway bridge, there are other incredible contenders reaching for the skies. Let’s discover some of these remarkable bridges!

Dadu River Railway Bridge, China – A Champion in the Clouds

China takes the gold medal for the highest overall railway bridge (not just restricted to single-arch bridges like Chenab) with the mighty Dadu River Railway Bridge. This behemoth soars a staggering 380 meters (1,247 ft) above the Dadu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. Inaugurated in 2016, it’s a crucial part of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway line, connecting these two regions.

Other Breathtaking Railway Bridge Records Around the Globe:

• Najiehe Railway Bridge, China (310 meters/1,017 ft): Another Chinese marvel, the Najiehe Bridge conquers the Najiehe River in Guizhou Province.
  
• Jiangjiehe Railway Bridge, China (298 meters/978 ft): Guizhou Province boasts yet another record-holder, the Jiangjiehe Railway Bridge, spanning the Jiangjiehe River.
  
• Mala Rijeka Viaduct, Montenegro (269 meters/883 ft): Europe enters the race with the impressive Mala Rijeka Viaduct. This bridge, traversing the Mala Rijeka River, is part of the Belgrade-Bar railway line.
  
• Sutlej Bridge, India (260 meters/853 ft): India makes a second appearance with the Sutlej Bridge, located in Himachal Pradesh. This bridge, crossing the Sutlej River, is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shimla-Kalka Railway line.

Beyond Railways: Record-Breaking Bridges of All Types

The world of bridges extends beyond railways. Here are some other notable mentions:

• Aizhai Suspension Bridge, China (366 meters/1,201 ft): This suspension bridge holds the record for the highest bridge deck in the world.
  
• Millau Viaduct, France (343 meters/1,125 ft): This cable-stayed bridge boasts the tallest pylons in the world.

The world highest railway bridge Chenab may be the king of railway heights, but it’s just one chapter in the story of incredible bridges.

Click here to read: World Highest Railway Bridge Wikipedia.

Chenab Railway Bridge’s Location

Residents of J&K have had a hard time navigating the steep landscape. It was consequently planned to build a national railway project that would link J&K to the rest of India. The Chenab Bridge highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir will begin operations in 2024 and last for 120 years.

The JUSBRL project began in 2003 as a result of this notion. The Chenab railway bridge Which is the World highest railway bridge in India is a part of this project. Experience the ultimate convenience of seamless travel from Udhampur to the breathtaking Kashmir Valley without the hassle of navigating treacherous, hilly terrain. The Anji Khad Bridge, between Katra and Reasi, would span a branch of the Chenab River and measure 657 meters (2,156 feet) in length with a height of 189 meters (620 feet).

Chenab Bridge Height 

The Chenab bridge Which is the world highest railway bridge height spans approximately 1177 feet above the Chenab River in the Kouri area of the Reasi district. As a crucial component of the eagerly awaited 272-kilometer railway route from Udhampur to Baramulla, this segment comprises 93 deck segments. Designed to endure earthquakes in Zone V, the most severe category, and capable of withstanding winds of up to 266 kilometers per hour.

Even with the removal of one pier/trestle, the bridge will continue to function, although at a reduced speed limit of 30 Km/hour. Fabrication of 28,660 MT of steel, 10 Lakh of earthwork, 66,000 m3 of concrete, and 26 kilometers of driveable roadways were all necessary for the bridge’s construction. 

It is 359 meters in length. In comparison to the Eiffel Tower, it is around 35 meters longer. When compared to the tall pyramids of Giza, it is more than twice as tall. It is the highest railway bridge in the World.

Construction Challenges

It had been planned that the Chenab Railway Bridge World Highest Railway Bridge would be finished by the end of 2009. However, there were certain concerns about the bridge’s safety and stability, which led to the project’s suspension in September 2008.

It started with the arches, then progressed to the trusses, and eventually, we will construct the girder as a horizontal sliding platform once everything is in place. The bridge’s deck is positioned on a varying-radius transition curve. Due to the gradual change in alignment, we had to complete construction in phases.

Building the bridge without impeding the river’s flow was one of the main obstacles. The construction of the bridge’s distinctive steel arch concluded in April 2021, and the overarch deck reached completion in August 2022.

Architectural Design

The Chenab Bridge world highest railway bridge is the first steel arch bridge in India. To ensure safety and compliance with the code, we conducted various types of studies and tests. The Force Technology Laboratory in Norway performed several wind tunnel studies to analyze the effects of wind velocity, static force coefficients, and gust buffeting.

After carefully considering aesthetics, economics, and the availability of local expertise and building materials, engineers constructed the Chenab Rail Bridge as a long-span single-arch steel bridge with approach viaducts on each side.

Two approach spans, each measuring 36 meters in length, lead to the bridge’s main span. Two pylons, each 100 meters in height and 130 meters in length, provide cable support for the project. 

In the J&K area, terrorist attacks happen often. The construction of the bridge increases safety and security by using 63mm thick unique blast-proof steel The bridge’s reinforced concrete piers may take a direct hit from an explosion. To guarantee a secure layout, the Indian government has adopted international norms like the British Standards (BS), the International Union of Railways (UIC), and the Euro. 

Role in Connectivity

Weak communication links, hindered by the treacherous topography of the region, almost cut off Kashmir from the rest of India.

As a result of the efforts of Indian Railways, the valley will have access to convenient and reliable transit at all hours. This new mode of transportation will enable the low-cost movement of all local items, including apples, handicrafts, and art pieces made of warm clothing and wood, across India.

Despite the pandemic-related delays, the administration has been pressing for the prompt completion of all projects after the abrogation of Article 370. Indian Railways had planned the train link to Kashmir long before.

The arrival of the railway line ushers in the development of previously underserved areas. The Indian Railways have constructed about 205 kilometers of approach roads, which feature a tunnel and over three hundred and 20 bridges. With their help, the inaccessible communities will be more reachable.

Vande Bharat on Chenab Bridge

The Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high speed train, is set to run on the world highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. This is part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious plan to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes the Chenab Bridge, is expected to be operational by December 2023 or January 2024. Once the railway line is functional, the Vande Bharat Express will run on this important rail link.

The Vande Bharat Express is an all air-conditioned chair car service, a more premium version of Shatabdi trains. For the smooth functioning of the Vande Bharat Express, maintenance facilities will be set up at Badgam in Jammu & Kashmir.

This development is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism in the region. The sight of the Vande Bharat Express running on the Chenab Bridge, amidst the clouds, is expected to be a spectacular view. 🚄🌉

Safety Measures

When compared to other railway projects in India, building the World’s tallest railway bridge presented the greatest civil engineering difficulty. For the past three years, workers on both sides of the Chenab River world highest railway bridge (at the Kauri and Bakkal ends) have used two enormous cable cranes to construct the arch. 

All required inspections of the bridge have been successful. During the design procedure, we conducted fatigue testing according to BS standards. There is built-in redundancy in the structures, allowing for a reduced degree of functioning in the event of an accident and protecting them from collapse should a single pier fail. 

Due to the extensive volume of fabrication and welding, the focus has shifted to ensuring quality. Despite the majority of materials being local and conforming to IS norms, the design references foreign rules, making Quality Control a challenging task.

Environmental Impact

Previously, the agriculture and horticulture industries in the region had reason to be concerned due to the lack of built strategic roadways, which made fruit transportation take an excessively long time. But as the government makes building major motorways a top priority, worries are being replaced by optimism. The Chenab River bridge Which is the highest railway bridge in Jammu will lead to economic growth in Kashmir without a doubt. 

The design of the bridge carefully considers not disrupting the local ecosystem. It implements eco-friendly construction practices and sustainability measures to reduce its carbon footprint. This way, we can make sure that the World’s tallest railway bridge won’t have any negative effects on nature.

Local Economy and Tourism 

Afcons, based in Mumbai, has taken on the responsibility of connecting the country through railway infrastructure in the challenging terrain of J&K, along with the construction of the Chenab Bridge. The company is currently building sixteen additional railway bridges in the Kashmir valley as part of the all-weather, cost-effective USBRL project, aiming to substantially boost the local economy. With the help of this bridge, people can export and import products easily, which will help improve the overall economy.

The fact that Rs 68,206 crore, or 34% of the J&K Budget for FY 2022-23, would come from the Central government as grants demonstrates the Central government’s commitment to J&K’s development. The fresh financing provided by the federal government is quickly restoring the economy of the region. The Chenab railway bridge will become a great tourist attraction as it’s the World’s highest railway bridge.

Conclusion

The Chenab Railway Bridge the World Highest Railway Bridge is a remarkable testament to the strong will and relentless drive of individuals. Witness firsthand the remarkable heights that can be reached when one makes greatness the ultimate goal. It is located directly on India’s northern border. The concrete arch bridge connects Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir. It connects Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla. The Chenab railway bridge’s location is very convenient and helps boost the local economy. Furthermore, since it is the highest railway bridge in India, it will also improve tourism.

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