The Tallest Rail Bridge In The World Set To Open On June 6, Higher Than Qutab Minar; Know Here

Udhampur, June 3: A marvel of modern engineering that dwarfs even the Qutub Minar is ready to open its arms to the world. Soaring high above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, the Chenab Rail Bridge, now the tallest railway bridge on the planet, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 during his first visit to the Union Territory after ‘Operation Sindoor’.

This bridge is not just a feat of infrastructure—it’s a symbol of national integration and technical prowess, serving as a crucial component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through rail for the first time.

Designed by WSP, a Canadian engineering firm, the Chenab Bridge is a staggering 350 meters high—that’s taller than the Eiffel Tower’s arc deck and nearly twice the height of Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar. It stretches a remarkable 1,315 metres across the dramatic gorge of the Chenab River, with a central free-span of 467 metres, making it not only the highest but also the longest steel arch railway bridge in the world.

Crafted from over 27,000 tonnes of steel, the bridge is a testament to global collaboration and Indian engineering. It was built by a joint venture of Afcons Infrastructure, VSL India, and South Korea’s Ultra Construction—navigating extreme weather, challenging terrain, and seismic sensitivity zones to bring this dream project to life.

Beyond its stunning visuals and record-breaking height, the Chenab Bridge stands as a bold statement of India’s commitment to connectivity, development, and resilience—even in the most rugged corners of the nation.