Reasi ,January 26,2026- The iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, stood resplendent as it was illuminated in radiant Tricolour lights on the eve of Republic Day 2026, echoing the spirit of national pride and unity across the Himalayan skyline.
Soaring 359 metres above the Chenab River—35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower—the bridge is a landmark achievement in global railway engineering. Stretching across 1.3 kilometres in the rugged terrain of Reasi district, the Chenab Rail Bridge forms a crucial link in the ambitious Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, connecting Kashmir with the rest of India through all-weather rail connectivity.
The Republic Day illumination transformed the steel arch into a powerful national symbol, reflecting India’s technological prowess, resilience, and determination to overcome geographical challenges. Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, high wind speeds, and seismic activity, the bridge represents years of innovation, precision engineering, and indigenous expertise.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Chenab Rail Bridge carries immense strategic and economic significance. By eliminating long-standing connectivity barriers, it is expected to boost tourism, strengthen trade, enhance mobility, and accelerate socio-economic development across Jammu and Kashmir. Seamless rail access will also support faster movement of goods and improved integration with national markets.
Railway officials highlighted that the bridge will play a vital role in enabling Vande Bharat train services and modern passenger operations in the region, bringing Kashmir closer to the rest of the country both physically and economically.
Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, the tricolour-lit Chenab Bridge stood as a testament to India’s unbreakable spirit—where cutting-edge infrastructure meets natural grandeur. As Republic Day approaches, the structure powerfully conveys a message of progress, unity, and confidence, reaffirming the vision of “Naya Kashmir, Badalta Kashmir.”
