India’s Highest Rail Bridge & Vande Bharat Launch

India’s rail network achieved a historic feat on June 6, 2025, with the inauguration of the Chenab Railway Bridge and the launch of the Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. These milestones not only symbolize engineering excellence but also mark a significant step toward improved connectivity and development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

🇮🇳 Chenab Railway Bridge: An Engineering Marvel

Towering above the Chenab River at 359 meters, the Chenab Bridge is now the world’s highest railway arch bridge, even surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height. Spanning 1,315 meters, the bridge connects Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district and forms a critical part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).

Key facts:

• Height: 359 meters above the riverbed
• Length: 1,315 meters
• Material Used: ~28,660 tonnes of steel
• Wind Resistance: Up to 266 km/h
• Earthquake-Proof: Designed to withstand seismic activity of Zone V

This bridge is not just a feat of civil engineering, but a lifeline that will revolutionize transportation and economic potential in J&K.

🚄 Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Speed Meets Comfort

The Katra–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside the Chenab Bridge opening. It is the first semi-high-speed train to connect Jammu’s spiritual town Katra to the scenic capital Srinagar, marking a new era in rail tourism and accessibility.

Key details:

• Inaugurated: June 6, 2025 | Commercial Start: June 7, 2025
• Distance: ~190 km covered in approx. 3 hours
• Classes: AC Chair Car & Executive Chair Car
• Fare: ₹715 (Chair Car), ₹1,320 (Executive)
• Frequency: 6 days/week
• Stops: Includes Banihal, Quazigund, Anantnag

The train is equipped with all modern amenities and has already witnessed full booking for the first 10 days—a strong testament to public excitement and demand.

🏞️ Transformational Impact on Jammu & Kashmir

The combination of the Chenab Bridge and Vande Bharat service is more than just infrastructure—it is a political and social statement. It reaffirms India’s commitment to unifying regions through development and inclusion.

Benefits include:

• Faster travel for locals and pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi
• Boost to local economy via tourism and transport logistics
• Greater security and logistical efficiency in this border-sensitive region
• Enhanced access to remote and mountainous areas, even in winters

🚉 What Lies Ahead?

With the USBRL nearing full completion, the vision of seamless connectivity from Udhampur to Baramulla is becoming reality. The Vande Bharat rollout in such terrain proves India’s capability to deliver advanced transportation in some of the world’s most challenging geographies.