The world’s tallest rail arch
Chenab Bridge connects Northern India
The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest rail and tallest arch bridge, is an engineering milestone that connects Kashmir and Jammu in Northern India. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions and earthquakes in the Himalayas, the bridge will help connect people in remote regions with the rest of India.
Located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Bridge represents a landmark achievement in bridge engineering and infrastructure development in India.
Being the world’s highest rail bridge and the tallest arch bridge ever constructed, the Chenab Bridge stands as a symbol of technical innovation and regional transformation by connecting the Kashmir and the Jammu regions in Northern India.
Enabling socio-economic development
The communities in the region have already felt the positive impact of this engineering feat.
The project has enabled the development of the local rural workforce by imparting transferable skills, contributing to economic growth, employment and socio-economic improvement of the local communities.
The bridge is part of the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramula rail link, commissioned by Indian Northern Railway, which aims to connect Kashmir with Jammu and the broader Indian railway network.
This infrastructure development stands as a major step forward in connecting remote regions of India, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge engineering solutions with the goal of fostering regional development and resilience.
“We are proud to be part of a project that combines cutting-edge engineering with social impact. In winter, roads are often closed down in the Jammu and Kashmir regions due to snow, and the Chenab Bridge will help improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth, tourism and social development.”
Anoop Singh Jangi , Vice President of Bridges, COWI in India
COWI's role in the Chenab Bridge project
COWI was appointed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) as a subconsultant to AECOM and played a vital role by providing consultancy services related to proof-checking the detailed designs and drawings for the superstructure and the arch.
In addition, COWI provided technical guidance and construction supervision to ensure compliance with design specifications and quality standards.
“COWI has been involved in some of the world’s most prestigious bridge projects across the world. Our role ensuring the quality of the Chenab Bridge project is testament to the capacity of our experts within this area.
To us, it has been a source of great satisfaction to contribute to ensuring the quality of such a unique the project in close cooperation with the respective partners.”
Vidya Basarkod , Managing Director of COWI in India
Built to withstand extreme conditions
Construction of the Chenab Bridge began in 2005, and this engineering feat had to overcome complex logistics and engineering challenges due to the difficult terrain and altitude. It was necessary to plan for a series of extreme circumstances due to the difficult conditions in the Himalayas.
The bridge’s arch rises 359 metres above the Chenab River, making it 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. This unprecedented height required advanced engineering solutions and meticulous design to ensure safety and durability.
The structure is designed to endure severe seismic activity and to withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius and winds of up to 260 km/h. Apart from addressing the challenging environmental conditions of the Himalayan region, the Chenab Bridge is also made of blast-proof steel to secure it even further.
The key collaborators in this project include the consortium CBPU (AFCONS, VSL, and ULTRA), KRCL, Northern Railways, and design partners WSP Finland and Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, Germany.
Facts about Chenab Bridge
- Value: A major step forward in connecting remote regions of India, contributing to economic growth, employment and socio-economic improvement.
- Capacity: Railway load with a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Design life of 120 years.
- Location: Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Period: The bridge opened to traffic in 2025.
- Country: India.
- Owner: Indian Northern Railway.
- Project design partners: Key collaborators in this project include the consortium CBPU (AFCONS, VSL, and ULTRA), KRCL, Northern Railways, and design partners WSP Finland and Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, Germany.
- Services: Consultancy services and proof-checking detailed designs and drawings. Technical guidance and construction supervision.
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