The world’s highest railway bridge being built by Indian Railways is expected to be ready in the coming months.
Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Bridge is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, making it the world’s highest rail bridge.
The 1.3 km long bridge has a design speed of 100 kmph for trains and a lifespan of 120 years.
The 111 km stretch from Katra to Banihal is essential, and the 1.3 km long Chenab Bridge is a crucial part of this stretch.
Once completed, the entire USBRL Railway project will provide all-weather connectivity and join Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of India.
Design
The Chenab Bridge would be designed as a large span single steel arch brdh with approach viaducts on arthur sde.
The chords of the trusses are sealed steel boxes, internally stiffened and filled with concrete to assist in controlling wind-induced forces on the bridge.
Another advantage of concrete filling is that internal painting will not be required.
The number of bearings has been minimized, particularly on the approach viaduct, through the use of continuous construction.
This is advantageous, as it reduces the maintenance and inspection efforts, and improves the riding quality.
The viaduct piers are of concrete, while the piers near the arch are steel.
Unique Features
Bridge designed to withstand high wind speed up to 266 Km/Hour.
Bridge designed for blast load in consultation with DRDO for the first time in India.
Bridge designed to bear earthquake forces of highest intensity zone-V in India.
First time on Indian Railways, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing machine used for testing of welds.
First time on Indian Railways, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited lab established at site for weld testing.
