Indian Railways, a successful trial run of a train was conducted on the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, now recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge. This historic milestone marks a significant step towards completing the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, spanning 272 kilometres through challenging terrains.
Constructed to connect Sangaldan in Ramban district to Reasi, the Chenab Rail Bridge stands at an impressive 359 meters above the riverbed, towering 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge’s completion underscores India’s engineering prowess in overcoming complex geological and topographical conditions that have plagued the project since its inception in 1997. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced the successful trial of an electric engine across the bridge, signaling readiness for operational service.
Vaishnav in his X post said that, “1st trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge. All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with only tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete.”
“The USBRL project has faced numerous challenges, yet 209 kilometres of the route have been commissioned in phases,” highlighted a senior official from Northern Railway. The remaining 17-kilometre stretch between Reasi and Katra is slated for completion by year-end, promising to seamlessly integrate Kashmir into India’s national rail network.
Sources within the Railways anticipate the inaugural passenger service between Sangaldan and Reasi to commence from June 30, following the successful trial and inspection phases. Recent inspections of the Chenab Bridge and associated sections reaffirm the project’s progress towards enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also took to X to share the news: “The train service from #Ramban (Sangaldan) to #Reasi via the world’s highest railway bridge built on river Chenab to begin soon. The #Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (#USBRL) project will be completed by year-end.”
The Chenab Rail Bridge’s completion not only symbolizes a triumph in engineering but also opens new avenues for socio-economic development in Jammu and Kashmir. As India prepares to celebrate this engineering marvel, the USBRL project stands poised to redefine connectivity standards and propel regional integration through enhanced railway infrastructure.
