India showcased the marvel of Indian engineering by building the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is 359 meters above the riverbed, and it is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.

It is part of the Udhampur- Srinagar- Baramulla rail link project. This train route will connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of the country. USBRL confirms all-weather rail connectivity between these routes.

This success will unlock new opportunities for Kashmir tourism, trade, economic growth, and regional connectivity, which will ultimately generate employment and improve the livelihood of the locals.

Global Expertise and Institutions Involved in this Project:

The Chenab railway bridge was constructed under the vigilant supervision of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited. This project is a collaborative effort of various Indian and international institutions. Including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Geological Survey of India.

The design and construction were done by a joint venture involving Afcons Infrastructure, South Korean company Ultra Construction and Engineering Company, and VSL India.

Key Features Chenab Railway Bridge

• Height of Bridge from Chenab River: 359 meters
• Total length of the bridge: 1315 meters
• The structure can withstand extreme conditions
• Wind speeds up to 260 km/hr
• The structure can withstand seismic forces corresponding to Zone V, the most intense earthquake zone in India
• Withstand temperatures as low as -20 °C.
• To make it resilient and sustainable, 63 mm blast-proof steel and concrete have been used, which can resist high intensity explosions and terrorist attacks.
• A dedicated team of 1300 workers and 300 engineers made this vision a reality.

Construction Challenges and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges faced during the construction was the transportation of materials. In the rugged regions of Jammu and Kashmir, transportation of heavy materials and equipment was very challenging. During the initial phase, mules and horses played a key role in the transportation of materials. Later, temporary roads from both ends of the bridge facilitated the transportation of costly construction equipment and heavy machinery.

Other challenges were ensuring the stability of the steep slopes of the Himalayas. Prof. Madhavi Latha worked for years to tackle this problem. She studied Himalayan geology, implemented the ‘design as you go approach, and assisted with slope stability and foundation design. Prof. Madhavi Latha and the team worked on the main arch, which spans 469 metres. The main arch is supported by two 130 metres high pylons, and it has a total of 17 spans, including the main span.

Materials required for the Project

• 25000 tonnes of steel
• 4000 tonnes of reinforced steel
• 46000 cubic metres of concrete

Technology and Safety Features

• World’s tallest crossbar cable cranes and specialized heavy machinery have been used to reduce the risk and make the construction of the bridge more efficient.
• Cantilever techniques were used for the arch construction, with the end progressively expanding towards the centre until the arch connected to the crown.
• To avoid the steel from corrosion, a special paint with a life span of 15 years was applied. Keeping passengers’ safety in mind, an advanced monitoring and warning system is implemented, and aerial security safeguards the structure.
• The structural detailing of the bridge has been done with the Tekla Software, which provided accuracy during the design and implementation phase as well. Tekla assisted in the detailed 3D modelling of the bridge and its structural components.

Trains to Run Over the Chenab River:

Currently, two Vande Bharat trains have been launched, which will travel from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station to Srinagar railway station and vice versa. The Vande Bharat Express will cover this distance in less than 3 hours, which usually takes 6 hours by road. Trains can run over the Chenab River railway bridge at a maximum speed of 100 km/hr.

Chenab Railway Bridge Cost:

The estimated cost to build the Chenab Railway Bridge is around Rs. 1486 crore. The bridge is expected to remain functional for up to 120 years. This project was approved in 2008, but due to safety and stability reasons, the construction was delayed.