Chenab Bridge to Give Indian Army 5x Tactical Power Against Pakistan and China
On June 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge — the Chenab Bridge, constructed over the Chenab River in the Kashmir Valley. This engineering marvel stands taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is capable of withstanding up to 40 kg of explosives and earthquakes measuring up to 8.0 on the Richter scale.
The bridge not only symbolizes India's engineering prowess but also has major strategic implications. With its completion, the Indian Army will now be able to reach forward positions in just 3 hours, significantly enhancing India's preparedness to tackle simultaneous threats from both Pakistan and China.
Why the Chenab Bridge is So Significant
The history of this railway link dates back to the early 20th century when Maharaja Pratap Singh of Kashmir envisioned a rail connection between Jammu and Srinagar. However, after his death, work stopped in 1925.
Jhelum Express: The First Passenger Train to Jammu
During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Indian Army faced severe logistical challenges. This prompted Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to recognize the need for a railway network in the Kashmir Valley to improve military and civilian mobility.
In 1972, the rail link was completed. The first freight train ran on October 2, 1972. On December 2, 1972, a decorated passenger train ran from New Delhi to Jammu with ministers Dr. Karan Singh and Om Mehta onboard. Initially called 'Srinagar Express', it was later renamed the 'Jhelum Express', which today runs from Pune to Jammu Tawi.
USBRL Project: From Vision to Reality
In 1994, Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao launched the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. Initially budgeted at ₹2,500 crore, the project has expanded over decades, now expected to cost ₹42,930 crore by 2025.
The Chenab Bridge is a pivotal part of the USBRL, fulfilling the long-standing dream of full rail connectivity to Kashmir. With its completion, India has not only achieved an engineering feat but also dealt a strategic blow to adversaries by strengthening infrastructure in a sensitive border region.