CHENAB BRIDGE: AN ENGINEERING MARVEL
Travelling in and around the hilly topography of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir has been a path of adversity for both the tourists & locals. The lack of a good road communication & more specifically a railway network emphasised the need for a railway project that would connect Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India. The Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail line (JUSBRL) was launched in 2003. The project was launched to enhance mobility within the state, with its 345 Km long railway line connecting the Jammu & Baramulla region. As part of this project, the Indian Railways will soon have the highest railway bridge being built above the Chenab river at a height of 359m and will be 1.315 Km long. Designed by consultants from Finland & Germany, the bridge has been designed to withstand wind speeds upto 260 Kmph & its lifespan will be 120 years. The bridge is under construction between Bakkal & Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.
To withstand the subzero temperature of -200 C & wind speeds exceeding 250 kmph, 63mm thick special blast proof steel was used to construct the bridge to enhance safety & security. To enhance the safety setup, aerial security along with an online monitoring & warning system will be installed on the bridge to protect the passengers & the train during adverse conditions. The bridge is constructed in one of the most complicated and isolated terrain. An engineering marvel, with one of its kind in the nation, the bridge & the project will give a major boost to the economy of Jammu & Kashmir.
