Once completed, the Chenab Bridge – at 1315 meters long and 359 meters high – will be the tallest Railway Arch Bridge in the world. As part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (JUSBRL), the bridge will cross over the deep gorges of the Chenab River and connect the Kashmir valley with Udhampur. The railway line itself, which has been taken up as a National Railway project will for the first time connect Kashmir to the rest of India.
The bridge is designed as a massive steel arch – a first in India. To resist the challenge of hostile weather, the steel being used will withstand temperatures as low as -20C and wind speeds of 200 kmph, while being economical in cost. Forces of nature apart, the engineers also face the challenge of construction in one of the most complicated and isolated terrains, while also ensuring that the flow of the river is not disturbed.
As a region that has been prone to terrorist attacks, the bridge will be fortified with 63 millimeter thick special blast proof steel and concrete steel that can withstand explosions. A ring of aerial security, online warnings and a monitoring system on the bridge will provide added security.
AECOM is proof checking the design and drawings as well as providing supervision and technical guidance at site for design and construction.