Indian Railways on Thursday conducted a successful trial run on the world's highest railway bridge – the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. The newly constructed bridge is built between Singaldan and Riasi in Ramban district.
According to news agency ANI, officials have said that services on the line will start soon.
“Successful trial run of MEMU train between Singaldan – Riasi section of USBRL project. Jammu and Kashmir,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vishnu said in a post on X.
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Completed USBRL – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail Link – Project will be completed by the end of the year. Currently, trains run from Kanyakumari to Katra and from Baramulla to Singaldan in the Kashmir valley.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 48.1 km long Banhal-Singaldan section of the USBRL project on 20 February 2024.
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The first phase of the project, covering the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Later, the 18 km long Banhal-Qazigund section was inaugurated in June 2013 and the 25 km long Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014. .
The Chenab Rail Bridge stands 359 meters (about 109 ft) over the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region. It is about 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower.
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The 1,315-metre-long bridge is part of a larger project aimed at making the Kashmir valley accessible through the Indian railway network. The project has faced difficulties due to the rugged terrain of northern Jammu and Kashmir.
The project was formally approved in December 2004 and is on track for completion by March 2023.