Pm Modi Inaugurates Worlds Highest Chenab Rail Bridge, Interacts with Engineers & Workers
Why in News?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Railway Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir — the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing at 359 m (35 m taller than the Eiffel Tower). He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains, toured a photo exhibition on project challenges, and engaged with the engineers and workers behind this monumental infrastructure achievement.
Important Key Points:
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Engineering Marvel:
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The Chenab Bridge is 1,315 m long, built to withstand earthquakes and winds up to 260 km/h, with a design lifespan of 120 years.
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It completes the 272 km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link (USBRL), comprising 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
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Anji Khad Bridge & Vande Bharat Trains:
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India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, was also inaugurated alongside it.
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Two Vande Bharat Express trains were flagged off on the Katra–Srinagar route, tailored for Himalayan winters.
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PM Modi’s Engagement:
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Modi walked across the bridges with the national flag, attended a photo exhibition showcasing engineering feats, and interacted extensively with engineers and construction workers.
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Regional Connectivity Impact:
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The USBRL project fosters all-weather connectivity, boosts tourism, eases troop/logistics movement, and integrates Kashmir more firmly with India.
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Massive Infrastructure Push:
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The inauguration was part of a ₹46,000 crore infrastructure rollout across J&K, including new roads, flyovers, and a medical college.
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