Chenab Bridge
Prime Minister recently inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab.
- It is the world's highest rail and arch bridge with a dock height of 359 meters from the river bed, 35 meters taller than Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower.
- It has been built between Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi district.
- Designed & constructed by - Joint venture consisting of Afcons Infrastructure, South Korea-based Ultra Construction & Engineering Company, and VSL India.
- Geography - It falls in zone-V, a major seismic zone with a fractured geology.
- It was proposed in one of the most complicated and isolated terrains in India.
- Features - It has a steel arch and concrete structure.
- Its deck is located on a transition curve (the part between straight and circular sections of roads) with a changing radius.
- Life span - It is designed to have a lifespan of 120 years and handle train speeds upto 100 km per hour.
- It can withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter Scale, besides high-intensity explosions equivalent to 40 tonnes of TNT.
- Its steel structure can withstand temperatures up to -20 degree C and wind speeds up to 266 km per hour.
- Even after the removal of one pier, it will remain in operation at a restricted speed of 30 km per hour.
Height and Dimensions:
- Height: 359 metres above the Chenab River, making it the world's highest rail bridge.
- Length: 1,315 metres
- Arch Span: 467 metres; Arch Length: 480 metres.
Technical Specifications:
- Design: A single-arch steel bridge with concrete-filled trusses to withstand wind forces and seismic activity up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.
- Construction Materials: Special steel designed to be blast-proof, ensuring structural integrity and safety.
Project History and Timeline:
- Project Approval: Declared a national project in December 2004.
- Construction Challenges: Faced delays and safety concerns, halting work in September 2008 and restarting in August 2010.
- Completion: Inaugurated in August 2022, with track laying completed by March 2023.
Significance:
- Engineering Feat: Overcame challenging Himalayan terrain, constructing 63 kilometres of tunnels and 7.5 kilometres of bridges.
- Connectivity: Integrates Kashmir Valley with the broader Indian rail network, enhancing socio-economic development and tourism.
- Tourist Attraction: Expected to draw visitors for its engineering marvel and scenic location.
Reference
The Indian Express | Chenab Bridge
