The Vande Bharat Express reached Kashmir via the Chenab Bridge for the first time. Construction of this bridge, now the world's highest railway bridge, began using only horses and mules.
Chenab Bridge: The Chenab Bridge is a monumental achievement in Indian engineering. This project, initially undertaken with the help of horses and mules, has now connected Kashmir to the rest of the country via rail. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bridge has enabled the Vande Bharat Express to reach Srinagar. Let's explore the untold story behind this bridge.
A Historic Initiative to Connect Kashmir to the Rail Network
India has undertaken many significant railway projects, but the dream of connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country by rail has been decades in the making. The Chenab Bridge has played the most crucial role in realizing this dream.
This bridge is not just a technical structure; it embodies the hard work, determination, and ability of Indian engineers to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. The bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which is now fully completed.
How Were Construction Materials Transported to the Mountains?
The construction site of the Chenab Bridge is surrounded by the steep slopes of the Himalayas, where access by conventional vehicles or machinery was nearly impossible. The initial challenge was transporting construction materials, equipment, and personnel to the site.
The answer was horses and mules. In the initial stages of the project, horses and mules were used to transport essential materials to the mountains. Gradually, temporary roads were constructed to enable access for machines and heavier materials.
The World's Highest Railway Bridge
The Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters above sea level, making it the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. This height surpasses the Eiffel Tower in Paris by 35 meters. The bridge's arch is a marvel of engineering, astonishing experts worldwide.
Unmatched Use of Modern Technologies
- AFCONS Infrastructure Limited employed cutting-edge technologies in the bridge's construction.
- World's tallest crossbar cable crane
- Specialized heavy machinery
Consolidation Grouting
These technologies stabilized the mountain slopes, ensuring a b foundation for the bridge. The arch was gradually joined from both sides using cantilever technology. April 5, 2021, marked the historic moment when the arches from both sides met.
Major Stages of Bridge Construction
Access Road Establishment: Initially, temporary routes were used to access the site. Later, permanent roads, 11 and 12 kilometers long on either side, were constructed.
Arch Construction: The cantilever method was used to join the arch from both sides.
Viaduct Construction: Another technical challenge, meticulously completed in four phases.
Standard Testing: For the first time in an Indian Railways project, an NABL-accredited lab was used to monitor quality at every stage.
An Example of Nation Building
AFCONS MD S. Paramasivan stated that this project symbolizes India's ability to build infrastructure in challenging terrains. It serves as inspiration for future generations, showcasing the capabilities of Indian engineers.
According to the company's Senior Executive Vice President, Krishnamurthy Subramaniam, the bridge is a blend of courage and technology, demonstrating that no challenge is insurmountable with unwavering determination.
Vande Bharat Express Entry into Srinagar
With the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express, which will now run from Katra to Srinagar. This is a significant achievement, as the train now directly connects the northernmost region of India by rail.
The Prime Minister's Presence and Inauguration Ceremony
Prime Minister Modi visited the Chenab Bridge, walked across it while hoisting the Indian flag, and toured the site in a railway engine carriage. This moment was a source of pride for the Indian Railways and the engineering community.
