Srinagar, April 2, 2025 — In a landmark achievement for Indian Railways, the Vande Bharat Express has successfully crossed the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, during trial runs on the Jammu-Srinagar route. This milestone marks a significant leap toward enhanced connectivity, promising to boost trade, tourism, and growth opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Bridge, an engineering marvel soaring 359 meters above the Chenab River—surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height—forms the backbone of the 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. With its 1,315-meter span and 467-meter arch, the bridge has been a symbol of ambition since its inception, overcoming challenging terrain and decades of logistical hurdles.
On January 25, 2025, the Vande Bharat Express, India’s semi-high-speed train, completed its inaugural trial run over the bridge, covering the Katra-Srinagar stretch. Equipped with advanced features like heated windshields and anti-freezing systems to withstand Kashmir’s harsh winters, the train is set to slash travel time to just three hours between Katra and Srinagar, compared to 6-7 hours by road.
“The Vande Bharat Express crossing the Chenab Bridge not only fulfils a long-cherished dream of rail connectivity but also opens doors for unprecedented economic and social development.”
The USBRL project, costing over ₹41,000 crore, integrates 38 tunnels and 927 bridges, with the Chenab Bridge as its crown jewel. The recent completion of the 17-kilometer Reasi-Katra section in December 2024 paved the way for these trials, setting the stage for commercial operations expected by mid-2025. The train will initially connect Katra to Srinagar, with plans to extend services to Jammu post-station upgrades.
The enhanced connectivity is poised to transform the region’s economy. “Faster rail access will bring more tourists to our valley, boosting local businesses,” said Aisha Begum, a shawl vendor in Srinagar. Trade prospects are equally bright, with perishable goods like apples and handicrafts expected to reach national markets more efficiently, fostering growth opportunities for local producers.
Tourism, a lifeline for Jammu and Kashmir, is set to see a surge as destinations like Vaishno Devi, Srinagar, and Gulmarg become more accessible. The Vande Bharat Express, with its modern amenities and speed, promises a comfortable journey, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Challenges remain, including ensuring year-round operations in extreme weather and completing final safety certifications. However, railway officials are optimistic, citing rigorous testing and advanced technology as assurances of reliability.
As the Vande Bharat Express prepares to roll out regular services, the Chenab Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and vision for inclusive development. By bridging the physical and economic gaps of Jammu and Kashmir, this milestone heralds a new chapter of prosperity, connectivity, and opportunity for the region.