The Chenab Bridge, inaugurated
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jammu, stands as the world's highest
single-arch railway bridge, surpassing the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Connecting Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district, it forms a vital link from
Katra to Banihal, promising to simplify commuting, enhance goods transport,
boost tourism, and foster economic development in the region.
Originally capturing attention
with viral images resembling a roller-coaster, the Chenab Bridge is now a
reality, a testament to engineering prowess. Overcoming challenges concerning
safety and stability, especially given its towering height, taller than the
Eiffel Tower, the bridge has successfully passed mandatory tests. The
completion of this monumental structure marks a historic achievement over two
decades since its approval in 2003.
Key features of the Chenab
bridge include its location between Bakkal and Kauri, forming part of the
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, with a total cost of
approximately Rs 35,000 crore. The arch bridge, towering at 1,178 feet above
the riverbed and boasting a 120-year lifespan, underwent rigorous stability
tests, proving resilience against high-velocity winds, extreme temperatures,
earthquakes, and hydrological impacts.
The construction involved a
2,015 km long approach road, taking three years to build the arch using two
giant cable cranes on both banks of the Chenab. Collaboration with prestigious
scientific and tech institutions, such as IIT-Roorkee, IIT-Delhi, and DRDO,
played a crucial role in the project's success.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the
Chenab Bridge holds immense significance, addressing connectivity challenges
that have persisted for over two decades since the project's approval in 2003.
It is a crucial part of the USBRL project, set to provide all-weather connectivity
and facilitate round-the-clock transportation, making it a game-changer for the
region's industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors.
Strategically, the bridge is a
boon for the Indian armed forces, offering enhanced mobility in the challenging
terrains of Kashmir and Ladakh. With 365 days of connectivity, it is poised to
counter threats and challenges, reducing reliance on the existing
Srinagar-Jammu national highway that often faces closures during harsh winters.
The Chenab Bridge is expected to
usher in economic development in the surrounding areas of Jammu, connecting 73
villages that were previously only accessible by foot or boat. Once the USBRL
is complete, the Vande Bharat Metro train will run between Jammu and Srinagar,
aligning with the ambitious Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat plan.
Beyond infrastructure and
connectivity, the bridge has political implications, symbolizing Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's commitment to bringing economic development to Jammu and
Kashmir. Following the abrogation of Article 370, the bridge is considered a
significant step towards integrating the region with the rest of the country
and fostering overall growth and stability
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