Chenab railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir built at a height of 359 m is set to open soon

Jammu and Kashmir will soon be known for its highest railway bridge, set to open shortly over the Chenab river. The Chenab railway bridge soars above the Eiffel Tower in Paris by at least 35 metres as it is built at a height of 359 m (1,178 ft) over the river.

The bridge connects Katra and Banihal and has cleared all the necessary tests and is estimated at ₹1,400 crore.

The bridge received green signal in 2003 but the construction work began in 2004. It  had to be halted from 2008-09 in lieu of safety of passengers due to high-velocity winds in the region. Following delays over safety and stability issues, the contract was handed over in 2008. However, the project has missed many deadlines over the years. And ow, the railway officials have confirmed that track lane work over the bridge has started and is ready for commissioning.

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who inspected the bridge on Saturday, informed that two more tests of running a motor trolley and bolero customised rail operation will be held. The safety checks that have been carried out so far include high-velocity winds test, extreme temperatures test, earthquake-prone test, and hydrological impacts due to rise in water level.

The bridge, which lies 42 kilometres from Reasi town, will be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years, according to officials.

As per reports, the construction of this bridge was the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in recent times.