Watch: PM Modi waves national flag atop Chenab Bridge; inaugurates world’s highest rail arch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Bridge in Katra on Friday. After the inauguration, he took a walk on the bridge waving the national flag atop the bridge, symbolising India’s engineering strength and patriotism.

Chenab Bridge is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. Located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, the bridge stands 359 metres high — 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Chenab Bridge improves transport connecting remote areas with the nation’s heartland.The bridge is a vital link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line that connects Kashmir with the rest of India, ensuring all-weather train connectivity.

Designed to withstand earthquakes and strong winds, it can also tolerate extreme winter temperatures where mercury falls below zero. The bridge is 1,315 metres long and made of steel.After the inauguration, the PM also viewed a photo exhibition highlighting the technical challenges faced during its construction. He interacted with the engineers and workers who braved harsh weather and difficult terrain to make the bridge a reality.