Chenab bridge: Narendra Modi inaugurates world’s highest single-arch railway bridge
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From fighting for a toilet to designing Chenab Rail Bridge: The tale of IISc’s Dr Madhavi Latha
From fighting for a toilet to designing Chenab Rail Bridge: The tale of IISc’s Dr Madhavi Latha.Considering the challenges thrown at them, Dr Latha and her team adopted a design-as-you-go approach to construct the bridge. The 1,315-metre-long bridge dwarfs the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres and has a stated lifespan of 120 years. Built to withstand wind speeds up to 260 kmph and seismic activity, the bridge was constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore. It took close to two decades to complete, with the project hit a roadblock in 2008 due to site conditions and a new railway alignment. The bridge links Jammu with Srinagar, and is the world’s highest railway bridge to date, standing at a height of 359 m above the riverbed. It was dedicated to the nation on Friday, 6 June, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected to be completed by 2022.
Considering the challenges thrown at them, Dr Latha and her team adopted a design-as-you-go approach to construct the bridge.
South First Desk Published Jun 06, 2025 | 7:31 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 06, 2025 | 7:31 PM
Dr Madhavi Latha Gali at the construction site (IISc/X)
Synopsis: Dr Madhavi Latha was the primary geotechnical consultant of the Chenab Rail Bridge — the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge — dedicated to the nation on Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the engineering marvel, the Chenab Rail Bridge, on Friday, 6 June. The bridge stands as India’s pride and is the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge, linking Jammu with Srinagar.
Standing tall at 359 metres above the riverbed, the 1,315-metre-long bridge dwarfs the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres and has a stated lifespan of 120 years. Built to withstand wind speeds up to 260 kmph and seismic activity, the bridge was constructed at a cost of ₹1,486 crore.
The bridge took close to two decades to complete. In between, the project hit a roadblock in 2008 due to site conditions and a new railway alignment. The project restarted in 2010 and chugged along to become an architectural marvel.
Even as the Prime Minister dedicated the bridge to the nation, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru swelled with pride. Dr Madhavi Latha Gali, a Geotechnical Engineering Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering of the institute, was the force — who dedicated 17 years of her life — for the bridge.
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Marvel on the hills
On 28 May 2025, the Women’s Special issue of the Indian Geotechnical Journal published an article, “Design as You Go: The Case Study of Chenab Railway Bridge.” Written by Dr Latha, the article detailed the challenges she had faced in constructing the bridge over the past 17 years and key learnings.
Dr Latha — the primary geotechnical consultant — and her team, in fact, lacked a concrete design as they embarked on the task. “The construction of a civil engineering marvel like the Chenab bridge posed many challenges from planning to completion. A rigid design with fixed dimensions and pre-determined solutions would not have been feasible, considering the continuously evolving geological and geotechnical conditions,” she noted in the article.
The solution? “The design-as-you-go approach adopted in this project made the construction of the bridge possible despite the critical challenges encountered in every stage during the 17 years of its construction period,” she added.
The Chenab Bridge consists of an unsupported steel arch of about half a kilometre in length resting on the left and right abutments on the slopes and eight piers resting on the slopes, four on each side.
Dr Latha explained the significance of the bridge. “Connecting Jammu and Kashmir by train with the rest of the country has been India’s dream for more than a century. The USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) project, dedicated to this purpose, was declared as India’s national project in 2002,” she said.
“The project covers 272 km from Udhampur to Baramulla through the gigantic Himalayan mountains and consists of 38 tunnels in total. The bridge coming between Katra and Qazigund over the River Chenab, connecting two hills, is the world’s highest railway bridge to date, standing at a height of 359 m above the riverbed. Planning of the bridge started in 2005, and it was finally completed in 2022,” Dr Latha wrote.
She worked closely with the Northern Railway and the contractor, Afcon Infrastructure, designing the bridge on the go and making it a reality.
The driving force
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Dr Latha taught at IIT-Guwahati before joining the IISc in 2004.
Her research interests include micro to macro of geomechanics, sustainable soil reinforcement, earthquake geotechnical engineering, and rock engineering.
She is the first recipient of the Best Woman Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering award from the Indian Geotechnical Society. She has also received Prof SK Chatterjee outstanding researcher award of IISc, Woman achiever award by Karnataka Book of Records, and SERB POWER fellowship. She is listed in the top 75 women in STEAM of India.
When Dr Latha joined the IISc, she was the first female faculty member. Her major challenge then, however, was not academic.
“Back then, there were no exclusive toilets for women in the department. There were only men’s toilets,” IISc said on its website before quoting her: “I had to really fight to get a women’s toilet in the geotechnical engineering building.”
Today, both IIsc and Dr Latha are proud of their achievements at the institute. Now, the Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), Dr Latha, is happy that there are almost as many female students as males in the department.
“I would say the ratio is 40-60,” the IISc website quoted her.
“Over the years, she has tried to make her lab more inclusive for her female students, for example, by making helpers assist women students in experiments that require heavy lifting so that they can keep pace with male students. Her door is always open for female students to share their concerns, she says. ‘Being a woman, I make sure I understand what they need.’”
Soon after the bridge was inaugurated, IISc took to X. “We are proud of Prof Madhavi Latha & her team’s contribution to the #ChenabBridge inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi. The team worked on stability of slopes, design & construction of foundations, design of slope stabilisation systems, incl. rock anchors to withstand hazards.”
Economist and writer Sanjeev Sanyal drew attention to Dr Latha’s unwavering determination. “Madhavi Latha, one of the awesome engineers who helped build the Chenab bridge. She began looking at the issue 17 years ago!! The bridge has four times the steel at the Eiffel Tower – held together in a mountainous, earthquake-prone zone,” he wrote on X.
Narendra Modi Unveils World’s Highest Single-Arch Railway Bridge, Transforming Global Connectivity!
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in Indian-administered Kashmir. The bridge, which spans the Chenab River, is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and took over 20 years to complete. As of June 6, 2025, it will connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of India by train for the very first time.
www.bbc.com
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in Indian-administered Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development. This remarkable bridge, which spans the Chenab River, is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower and took over 20 years to complete. As of June 6, 2025, it will connect the Kashmir valley to the rest of India by train for the very first time.
6 Key Takeaways World’s highest single-arch railway bridge inaugurated
Connects Kashmir valley to the rest of India
Built over the Chenab river
35m taller than the Eiffel Tower
Took over 20 years to complete
Part of a 272km railway line
The bridge is part of a larger 272-kilometer all-weather railway line that will enhance connectivity through Jammu and into the stunning landscapes of Kashmir. This project not only symbolizes engineering prowess but also aims to boost tourism and economic growth in the region.
Fast Answer: The world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in Kashmir enhances connectivity and economic prospects, showcasing India’s commitment to modern infrastructure.
This monumental achievement raises questions about the future of transportation in remote areas. Will such infrastructure projects lead to sustainable development in regions like Kashmir? Consider these points:
Improved access can stimulate local economies.
Enhanced tourism may foster cultural exchange.
Infrastructure projects can lead to environmental concerns.
This development highlights India’s ambition to modernize its transportation network, which could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and growth.
As we look ahead, the successful completion of this bridge could pave the way for more transformative infrastructure projects worldwide. Will other nations follow India’s lead in enhancing connectivity?
Modi inaugurates worlds highest single-arch railway bridge in Kashmir
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the world’s highest single-arch railway bridge in Indian-administered Kashmir. The showpiece infrastructure project, which is built over the Chenab river, is 35m (114ft) taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is part of a 272km (169 miles) all-weather railway line that will pass through Jammu, ultimately going all the way to the Kashmir valley. It features 93 deck segments, each weighing around 85 tonnes, and can withstand wind speeds of up to 266kmph and seismic tremors up to magnitude 8.
The bridge will connect the valley region of Kashmir with the rest of the country by train for the very first time.
The showpiece infrastructure project, which is built over the Chenab river, is 35m (114ft) taller than the Eiffel Tower and took the Indian Railways more the 20 years to build.
It is part of a 272km (169 miles) all-weather railway line that will pass through Jammu, ultimately going all the way to the Kashmir valley.
Towering at 359m above the Chenab river in the Reasi district of the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge is a key part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and connects the Kashmir region with the rest of the country via an all-weather rail line.
Spanning 1,315m between the villages of Bakkal and Kauri, the bridge was constructed using over 28,000 tonnes of steel and designed to last 120 years. It features 93 deck segments, each weighing around 85 tonnes, and can withstand wind speeds of up to 266kmph and seismic tremors up to magnitude 8, according to the Indian Express.
After the Chenab bridge, Modi also inaugurated India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge over the river Anji. The prime minister then walked on the Chenab rail bridge holding the Indian flag.
Before the inauguration, Modi travelled in a rail engine coach to reach the spot.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present on the occasion.
After the inauguration, Mr Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter: “It’s a feeling of immense pride that this bridge seamlessly blends ambition with execution, reflecting India’s growing capability to build futuristic infrastructure in the most challenging terrains.”
The USBRL project as a whole has been under development since it was approved in 2003 during former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s administration.
It includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 kilometres and 943 bridges, built at a total estimated cost of INR 437.8bn (£3.7bn), with the cost of the Chenab Bridge alone being approximately Rs14.86bn (£128m), reported Indian media.
–Agencies
Chenab Bridge: PM Modi inaugurates world’s highest rail arch bridge in J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world’s highest railway arch bridge, Chenab Bridge. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand high seismic and wind loads and to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is also dedicated to the nation. It Spans over 272 km and is built at a cost of approximately Rs 43,780 crore.
Standing high 359 metres above the Chenab River, the 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is built to withstand high seismic and wind loads and to reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours.
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In addition, PM Modi also inaugurated the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, constructed in one of the most challenging terrains in the region.
As part of his J&K visit, PM Modi also flagged off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, improving connectivity for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is also dedicated to the nation. It Spans over 272 km and is built at a cost of approximately Rs 43,780 crore. The project includes 36 tunnels totaling 119 km and 943 bridges, ensuring all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
In addition to the rail initiatives, PM Modi will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple road infrastructure projects aimed at improving last-mile and border area connectivity. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444—projects worth over Rs 1,952 crore.
Along with this, the Prime Minister will inaugurate two new flyovers: one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 and another at Bemina Junction on NH-44 in Srinagar.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. Costing Rs 350 crore facility, it will be the first medical college in Reasi district, aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure and services in the region.
Modi inaugurates strategic railway project in Indian-administered Kashmir
The rail link will connect the Kashmir Valley to the vast Indian plains by train for the first time. The 272-kilometre (169-mile) line begins in the garrison city of Udhampur in the Jammu region and runs through Indian-administered Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar. The Indian government has pegged the total project cost at about $5bn. The railway line travels through 36 tunnels and over 943 bridges and will facilitate the movement of people and goods, as well as troops. One of the highlights is a 1,315-metre-long (4,314-foot) steel and concrete bridge above the Chenab River.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened one of the country’s most ambitious railway projects, which will connect the Kashmir Valley to the vast Indian plains by train for the first time.
Dubbed by the government-operated Indian Railways as one of the most challenging tracks in the world, the 272-kilometre (169-mile) line begins in the garrison city of Udhampur in the Jammu region and runs through Indian-administered Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar. The line ends in Baramulla, a town near the highly militarised Line of Control dividing the Himalayan region between India and Pakistan.
The Indian government has pegged the total project cost at about $5bn.
The railway line travels through 36 tunnels and over 943 bridges and will facilitate the movement of people and goods, as well as troops, that was previously possible only via treacherous mountain roads and by air.
One of the project’s highlights is a 1,315-metre-long (4,314-foot) steel and concrete bridge above the Chenab River connecting two mountains with an arch 359 metres (1,177 feet) above the water. Indian Railways has compared its height with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which stands 330 metres (1,082 feet), and said the bridge is built to last 120 years and endure extreme weather, including wind speeds up to 260 km/h (161mph).
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Modi visited the Chenab bridge on Friday with tight security, waving an Indian tri-colour flag before boarding a test train that passed through picturesque mountains and tunnels to reach an inauguration ceremony for another high-elevation bridge named Anji.
The railway “ensures all weather connectivity” and will “boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities”, Modi said.
The prime minister also helped launch a pair of new trains called “Vande Bharat” that will halve the travel time between Srinagar and the town of Katra in the Jammu region to about three hours from the usual six to seven hours by road.
Modi’s visit to Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday is his first since a military conflict between India and Pakistan brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war last month when the countries fired missiles and drones at each other.
The conflict was triggered after a shooting attack in late April that left 26 men, mostly Hindu tourists, dead in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers, a charge Islamabad denied.
India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety.
Armed groups in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.
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India insists the Kashmir armed groups are backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.