World’s Highest Chenab Railway Bridge Inaugurated

1. In June 2025 Prime Minister of India inaugurated the world’s highest Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir.
   1. Earlier, the Union Government has also confirmed that the Salal-Haimana area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district holds significant resources of lithium and titanium.
2. It is a railway arch bridge.
3. Its completion, particularly following events like "Operation Sindoor" in May 2025, highlights India's commitment to development and connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir amidst security challenges.

Geographical Relevance:

1. Location:
   1. Spans the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.
   2. Connects Bakkal and Kauri villages, crossing a deep gorge.
2. Geography:
   1. Altitude: Stands at 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the river, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower (Paris, 324 meters).
   2. Terrain: Located in the Himalayas, characterized by ruggedness, steep mountain slopes, and a challenging landscape.
   3. The Chenab River Gorge is one of the deepest in the region.
      • A gorge is a deep channel formed by a river that has eroded the earth's crust over millions of years.
      • Some gorges are so large they are visible from space.
      • One of the most famous is the Grand Canyon.
3. Climate and Terrain Challenges:
   1. Experiences extreme weather conditions (temperatures from -20°C to 40°C).
   2. Prone to landslides, earthquakes (Seismic Zones IV/V), and harsh winters.
   3. Required carving 26 km of access roads and digging tunnels to reach the remote construction site.
4. Strategic Importance (Geographical):
   1. Offers an all-weather rail link to the Kashmir Valley, which is frequently cut off during winter.
   2. Provides an alternative to the often-disrupted Jammu–Srinagar highway.

What is Seismic Zones IV and V: What Do They Mean? Zone IV: This is considered a high seismic risk zone. Areas in Zone IV are prone to strong earthquakes, and construction in these areas requires buildings to follow strict earthquake-resistant design standards. Zone V: This is considered a very high seismic risk zone, the highest level of seismic hazard in many zoning systems. This means the region is highly prone to severe earthquakes, and structures must be designed to withstand intense seismic forces. Example: India’s Seismic Zoning: In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards divides the country into seismic zones I to V: Zone I: Low seismic risk Zone II: Moderate risk Zone III: Moderate to high risk Zone IV: High risk Zone V: Very high risk Buildings in Zones IV and V need to follow stricter codes to ensure safety against potential earthquakes.

Technical and Structural Features:

1. World’s Highest Railway Bridge: Its deck is 359 meters above the Chenab River, necessary to clear the deep gorge and ensure floodwater clearance.  Project began in 2004, completed in 2022.
2. Length and Arch Span:
   1. Total Length: 1,315 meters (1.315 km).
   2. Arch Span: 467 meters (1,532 feet) steel arch, one of the longest constructed globally.
3. Resilience Features:
   1. Wind Resistance: Engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 260-266 km/h, aerodynamic studies ensured stability.
4. Lifespan and Maintenance:
   1. Design Life: 120 years.
   2. Monitoring: Continuous monitoring via an advanced health monitoring system.
   3. Maintenance Access: Includes elevators inside piers and walkways.
5. Global Collaboration:
   1. Lead: Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd.
   2. Construction: Joint venture of Afcons Infrastructure, VSL India, and Ultra Construction (South Korea).

Strategic and Infrastructure Importance

The bridge holds immense strategic and socio-economic significance beyond its engineering prowess.

1. Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL):
   1. The bridge is a key part of the USBRL project, which will connect Jammu & Kashmir to the Indian Railways network.
   2. The USBRL spans 272 km, with 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
   3. The Chenab Bridge specifically connects Katra (in Jammu) to Banihal (in the Kashmir Valley).
2. National Integration:
   1. Provides all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, reducing isolation.
   2. Reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar to just 3 hours (from 6-8 hours by road).
3. National Security and Strategic Logistics:
   1. Enhances military logistics, enabling rapid movement of troops and supplies to Jammu & Kashmir.
   2. Crucial for faster relief operations and troop deployments during emergencies (natural disasters or conflicts).
4. Economic Development:
   1. Promotes trade and tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
   2. Facilitates transportation of horticultural products (apples, saffron) and handicrafts to national markets.
   3. The bridge itself is expected to become a major tourist attraction.
5. Socio-Economic Benefits:
   1. Better Connectivity: Enhances locals' access to education, healthcare, and employment in Jammu and Srinagar.
   2. Job Creation: Significant local employment generated during construction and operation.
   3. Tourism Boost: Revitalizes the local economy through hospitality services.

About Chenab River: Origin and Course: Originates from the Chandra and Bhaga streams in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. Flows through Jammu & Kashmir, enters Pakistan, and eventually joins the Indus River system. Tributaries: In India: Marusudar (in J&K) and Tawi (in Jammu). In Pakistan: Joined by the Jhelum and Ravi rivers. Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): The Chenab River is a Western River under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), allocating its waters primarily to Pakistan. India has limited rights, mainly for hydroelectric power generation and non-consumptive use. Disputes often arise over Indian hydro projects on the Chenab (e.g., Baglihar Dam).

ENSURE IAS Prelims Questions: Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Chenab Rail Bridge: It is the world’s highest railway bridge in terms of deck height above the river. It is located on the Chenab River, which is a right tributary of the Indus river. The bridge is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project. It has been constructed in seismic zone III, requiring earthquake-resistant design. Which of the above statements are correct?  Options:  A) 1, 3 and 4 only  B) 1 and 3 only  C) 1 and 4 only  D) All of the above Answer: B Explanation: The Chenab Rail Bridge stands 359 meters above the Chenab River, making it the highest railway bridge in the world by deck height. Hence, this statement is correct. The Chenab River is actually a left tributary of the Indus River, meaning it joins the Indus from the left bank. Hence, this statement is incorrect. The Chenab Rail Bridge is a crucial component of the USBRL project, which connects Jammu to the Kashmir Valley by rail. Hence, this statement is correct. The Chenab Rail Bridge is located in seismic zones IV and V, which are high to very high seismic risk zones, not zone III. Zone III corresponds to moderate seismic risk. Hence, this statement is incorrect

ENSURE IAS Mains Question :  Q:  The inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir marks a significant progress in India’s infrastructure development and strategic connectivity. Discuss the strategic, socio-economic, and engineering challenges involved in constructing the Chenab Rail Bridge, and analyze its potential impact on the region’s integration, security, and economic development. (250  Words)