The Chenab Bridge is a marvel of
modern engineering located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
This bridge is one of the most spectacular feats of engineering in India and is
set to become the world's highest railway bridge when it opens. It is an
important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project and is
being design by the Konkan Railway, Afcons Infrastructure & DRDO and constructed by Afcons Infrastructure.
The Chenab Bridge spans across
the Chenab River in the Reasi
district of Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge is located between Bakkal and Kauri
and is a part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. The
bridge is being constructed at a height of 359 meters above the river, which
makes it the highest railway bridge in the world (35 meter taller than Eifel Tower).
The construction of the Chenab
Bridge was started in 2002 and was initially planned to be completed by 2007.
However, due to several delays, the construction of the bridge was postponed
and hold. The construction work resumed in 2011 and the bridge is expected to
be completed by 2022.
The Chenab Bridge has been
designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds,
earthquakes a scale of 7.6 -8.0 Mw and even blasts. It is made of steel arches
and trusses, which give it a unique and futuristic look. The bridge is
supported by two massive pillars on either side of the river and is held in
place by 192 cables. The bridge has a length of 1315 meters and a width of 14.5
meters.
The construction of the Chenab
Bridge has not been without controversy. Many environmentalists and local
people have raised concerns about the impact of the bridge on the fragile
ecology of the region. The Chenab River is home to many endangered species of
fish and the construction of the bridge could disturb their natural habitat.
Additionally, the construction of the bridge has led to the displacement of
many local people who lived in the area.
Despite the controversies; the Chenab Bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering and will be a great asset to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It will connect the isolated regions of the state to the rest of the country and will also promote tourism in the region. The bridge will provide an efficient and safe mode of transport to the people of the state and will also boost economic growth.
Summary, the Chenab Bridge is a
significant engineering marvel that is becomes the world's highest railway
bridge. The bridge is a testimony to the skill and dedication of the engineers
and workers who have worked tirelessly to construct and make dream true.
Although it has faced many challenges, the bridge will undoubtedly be a great
asset to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and a source of pride for the entire
nation.
