Indian Railways achieved a historic milestone as the ” Engineering Marvel of the Modern World”, Chenab Railway Bridge had its successful trial run of the first train on June 16, 2024. The 46 km Sangaldan to Reasi stretch would be inspected by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, DC Deshwal, over 2 days.
The world’s highest railway steel bridge is built over the majestic Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. The main aim of this technical and engineering marvel is rooted in a more significant project. It is the Indian Railway Network’s intention to make the Kashmir Valley accessible and establish railway connectivity throughout the Ramban district and Reasi region.
The Historical Milestone
The first trial successfully ran from Sangaldan to Reasi, marking the completion of the rail link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister, proudly announced this achievement, highlighting that all the construction work for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link had nearly been completed, and only Tunnel No.1 remains partially unfinished.
Ashwani Vaishnaw mentioned this on his X account: “1st trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge. All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with only tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete..”
Deepak Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northern Railway, emphasized the happiness and hard work of the labourers and engineers in this project. He stated:
“Today, the wagon tower has reached Reasi station. We are very happy and proud that we have succeeded. The laborers and engineers have been working hard for a long time, and today, they have finally succeeded. The rail service will start soon on this bridge..”
Big congratulations to Deepak Kumar and everyone involved and committed to offering their relentless efforts to complete this visionary project. The enhanced connectivity to the rest of the country would also boost the area’s economic growth, as tourism would increase due to the connectivity.
About The Project
In this creative project, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Valley. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project is planned to be completed by year-end.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the USBRL project, which also includes the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, on February 20, 2024.
It all began in October 2009 with Phase 1, which inaugurated the 118 km-long Qazigund-Baramulla section. The following phases witnessed the inauguration of the 18 km-long Banihal-Qazigund section in 2013.
In July 2014, the 25 km-long Udhampur-Katra section was also inaugurated. A project spanning 272 km, USBRL has seen 209 km of sections inaugurated in its various phases, making it a vital infrastructural link for the country.
World’s Eighth Wonder
Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan, immensely proud of the project, told the media, “This is an engineering marvel of the modern world. The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon.”
The Deputy Chief Engineer of Konkan Railways, Sujay Kumar, stated that seeing through this visionary project was very challenging. He also said:
“People being affected by this project are all very happy. We hope everything will be completed soon.”
Exciting Times Ahead
Exciting times are ahead for Indian Railways and the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir as the 1,315-meter-long bridge, constructed 359 meters above the Chenab and even taller than the Eiffel Tower, becomes part of the project that connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.
This visionary project showcases the talent and hard work of our nation’s highly proficient and skilled engineers. The Chenab Railway Bridge is seen as an engineering marvel of the modern era. It would not only connect the Kashmir Valley to the country but also boost tourism.
