Chenab Arch Bridge: All you need to know about the world’s highest railway bridge

The construction of the arch of the Chenab Bridge, located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been completed on Monday, April 5. The 1,315m-long bridge is being built at a height of 359m and is the tallest rail bridge in the world.

Here’s what you need to know about the Chenab Bridge

The bridge is being constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 and is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link (USBRL) project and the completion of the steel arch was one of the most difficult parts of the bridge over Chenab.

It will provide the much-needed all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the county.

The bridge is 35-meter higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the overall weight of Arch is 10,619 MT.

Construction of Bridge involved fabrication of 28,660 MT steel, 10 Lakh Cum Earthwork, 66,000 Cum Concrete, and 26 Km motorable roads.

The metal will also be able to resist temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of above 200 kilometers per hour.

The bridge is designed to bear earthquake forces of the highest intensity zone-V in India

The bridge will remain operational at a restricted speed of 30 Km/Hour even after the removal of one pier/trestle.

Also,  To enhance safety and security, the bridge will be made of 63mm-thick special blast-proof steel.

The most sophisticated ‘Tekla’ software was used for structural detailing

A ring of aerial security will be provided to safeguard the bridge and online monitoring and warning system will be installed on the bridge to protect the passengers and train in critical conditions.

Footpaths and cycle trails will be provided adjacent to it. The bridge will be painted with a special corrosion-resistant paint, which lasts for 15 years.