February 20, 2024 saw the opening of the magnificent Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir, an engineering marvel 20 years in the offing. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with a slew of infrastructural projects in the region. This also includes flagging off the first Electric Train in the valley, train service between Sangaldan and Baramulla station, and the inauguration of AIIMS Jammu and IIM Jammu.
KnowALLedge Plus:
Here’s three quick facts on the Chenab Bridge:
> It is 1.3km long and stands at the height of 359m above the river, which is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
> It is part of the Rs 35000 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project which aims to boost connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, through one of the most difficult terrains in the world. The project to build the bridge was approved in 2003 but was delayed due to fears of stability and safety. In 2008, the contract for construction was awarded.
> The bridge will have a lifespan of 120 years and will be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph.