Jammu and Kashmir to host world’s highest railway bridge

In about two years, the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir will be spanned by the world’s highest railway bridge, expected to be 35 m taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge, being built at Rs 1,100 crore, is expected to rise 359 m above the river bed. Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km per hour, the 1.315-km-long bridge forms a crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal, which is part of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The construction of this bridge, which will connect Bakkal in Katra and Kauri in Srinagar, is considered to be the most challenging part of the Kashmir rail link project. Slated to be completed by 2019, it is expected to become a tourist attraction in the region. Once completed, it will also surpass the record of the Beipan river Shuibai railway bridge (275 m) in China. Reportedly, the massive arch-shaped structure will use over 24,000 tonne of steel, the material of choice for construction of the project. Further, sensors will also be installed on the bridge to check the wind velocity. And, the bridge will be made of 63 mm thick special blast-proof steel in order to enhance safety and security. A ring of aerial security will also be provided to safeguard the bridge and an online monitoring and warning system will be installed to protect the passengers and train in critical conditions. Moreover, according to reports, the concrete pillars of the bridge will be designed to withstand explosions and painted with a special corrosion- resistant paint that lasts for 15 years.