The world’s highest single-arch rail bridge, built over 20 years across the Chenab River in Jammu’s Reasi district, is poised to revolutionize connectivity by linking Indian-administered Kashmir to the rest of India by train.

The bridge, which stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower, is part of a 272-kilometer railway line extending through Jammu to the Kashmir valley, addressing the frequent winter disruptions of the highway link due to heavy snowfall.

This strategic infrastructure aims to bolster India’s control and logistical capabilities along its contentious borders with Pakistan and China.

Local sentiment reflects a blend of optimism for improved transport links and conce over increased gove mental influence in the Kashmir valley.

This rail bridge, among several infrastructure initiatives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gove ment, follows the controversial 2019 decision to revoke Kashmir's special status, leading to increased military and administrative measures in the region. Engineering challenges, including the bridge’s seismic zone location and logistical hurdles, were overcome through innovative solutions, ensuring the structure's resilience to extreme conditions.

While the rail link promises significant economic and tourism benefits, including potentially enhanced fruit trade and reduced travel times, the region's volatile security situation poses ongoing challenges. Recent militant attacks underline the persistent instability, suggesting that without sustained peace, infrastructure projects may have a limited impact on Kashmir’s economic revival.


(colombotimes.lk)