#India #Chenab Railway Bridge #Afcons Infrastructure #Indian Engineering #Jammu and Kashmir

A New Era in Engineering: The Chenab Railway Bridge

In a remarkable feat of engineering, Afcons Infrastructure has completed the construction of the Chenab Railway Bridge, now recognized as the highest single-arch railway bridge in the world. Located in the breathtaking Himalayan terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, this incredible infrastructure project stands majestically at 359 meters above the ground, towering 35 meters higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower. It symbolizes the epitome of innovation and resilience in overcoming significant engineering challenges.

Breaking Ground in Harsh Conditions

When the project was announced, many international construction firms withdrew, intimidated by the difficulties posed by the rugged landscape and climate. However, Afcons Infrastructure embraced the challenge, turning adversity into accomplishment. This bridge not only enhances connectivity by linking the Kashmir Valley with the Indian subcontinent for the first time via rail, but it also represents a significant leap in railway engineering within the country.

Engineering Excellence

Launched on June 6, 2025, by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chenab Railway Bridge is a showcase of cutting-edge engineering methodology. It is part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, designed to provide all-weather rail connectivity between Jammu, Kashmir, and the rest of India. With a design lifespan of 120 years, the bridge's construction meets the highest international engineering standards.

The bridge features unique characteristics that are pioneering in bridge engineering. Designed to withstand extreme winds of up to 266 km/h (74 m/s), it is equipped to endure seismic activities typical of Zone-V, India’s highest earthquake intensity region. Significantly, it is also the first railway bridge in India designed with the capacity to resist blast loads, reinforcing its structural fortification and safety measures.

Innovative Construction Techniques

To bring this ambitious project to life, Afcons utilized some of the most advanced construction technologies and equipment available. The construction of piers, trestles, and steel arch segments employed the world’s largest crossbar cable cranes, specifically built for this endeavor. Remarkably, the cable crane’s height at the Srinagar end reaches 127 meters, outstripping even the historical Qutub Minar in Delhi.

The project also marked notable engineering firsts for Indian Railways. For the first time, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) technology was implemented to inspect weld integrity. Additionally, an onsite laboratory accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) ensured rigorous quality controls for weld testing throughout the construction process. Another innovative milestone achieved was the incremental launching of a deck structure on combined circular and transition curves, a feat that highlights exceptional precision in engineering rarely accomplished globally.

A Testament to Resilience

According to Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Executive Vice Chairman of Afcons, the Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a testament to India’s tenacity in overcoming engineering challenges using creativity and skill. S Paramasivan, the Managing Director of Afcons, emphasized that the project showcases the company’s steadfast dedication to nation-building and reimagining infrastructure even in the most difficult terrains.

The completion of the Chenab Bridge not only reflects Afcons’ profound engineering capabilities but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of engineers and as a monument to the prowess of Indian craftsmanship and teamwork. This structure is a prime example of how innovative thinking and collaborative effort can lead to outstanding achievements, shaping the future of infrastructure in India and beyond.

About Afcons Infrastructure Ltd

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is a leading construction and engineering firm within the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, boasting a rich legacy spanning over six decades. It has earned a strong reputation for executing complex EPC projects both domestically and internationally. Recognized in the latest ENR survey, Afcons ranks among the top 140 international contractors, placing 12th in bridges and 14th in marine ports, underlining its engineering excellence and commitment to quality.