Srinagar: The train service from Ramban to Reasi, traversing the world’s highest railway bridge built over the Chenab River, is set to commence soon, as announced by Northern Railway.

Currently, trains operate from Kanyakumari to Katra and services are also running from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley.

Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan hailed the project as an engineering marvel of the modern world. "The day when the train will reach Reasi will be a game-changing day for the district. It is a proud moment for us, as our engineers have created a marvel. It is the eighth wonder of the world. The bridge, the wind speed, and its strength are wonderful. The exact date cannot be said, but I hope the day comes soon," he told the media.

Deputy Chief Engineer of Konkan Railways, Sujay Kumar, described the project as very challenging but noted that those affected by the project are very happy. "We hope everything will be completed soon," he said.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, which includes this bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the USBRL project, including the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section, on February 20, 2024.

Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases saw the 18 km Banihal-Qazigund section inaugurated in June 2013 and the 25 km Udhampur-Katra section opened in July 2014.

The Chenab Rail Bridge, constructed 359 metres (around 1,178 feet) above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, stands approximately 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long bridge is part of a broader project aimed at integrating the Kashmir Valley into the Indian Railway network.

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