Chenab Rail Bridge Explained

Bridge Name:Chenab Rail Bridge
Carries:India
Crosses:Chenab River between Bakkal and Kauri
Maint:Northern Railways
Designer:Konkan Railway, Afcons Infrastructure & DRDO
Design:Arch bridge
Builder:
  • Certification Engineers International Ltd.
Material:Steel and Concrete
Length:1315m (4,314feet)[1]
Height:(river bed to formation) 359m (1,178feet)
Mainspan:467m (1,532feet)
Spans:17
Inaugurated:13 August 2022[2]
Opening:December 2022
Coordinates:33.1508°N 74.8831°W
Mapframe-Zoom:12

The Chenab Rail Bridge is a steel and concrete arch bridge carrying a single-track railway line, located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India.[3] [4] The bridge spans the Chenab River at a height of 359m (1,178feet) above the river, making it the world's highest rail bridge and the world's highest arch bridge.[5] [6] The bridge was fully completed and was inaugurated in August 2022.[7] It is built between the Sangaldan Railway Station and the Reasi Railway Station.

In November 2017, the base supports were declared completed allowing for the start of the construction of the main arch.[8] In April 2021, the Chenab Rail Bridge's arch was completed and the overall bridge was completed in August 2022. It was expected to open to rail traffic by December 2023 or by January/February 2024 but has been rescheduled to July.[9] [10]

On February 20, 2024, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi officially launched the USBRL project, which encompasses the 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section.[11] The Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi district will soon see trains running on it.

In June 2024, the first full trial run on the bridge happened.[12]

Technical data

Key technical data of the bridge include:[13]

This makes the Chenab Rail Bridge:

Introduction and topography

Northern Railway has undertaken the megaproject of constructing a new railway line across the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir between the towns of Udhampur near Jammu and Baramulla on the northwestern edge of the Kashmir Valley. This project was declared a national project in 2004.[16] It is directed by the Northern Railway.

The extraordinary challenge lies in a large number of tunnels (totaling 63 km in length[17]) and bridges (7.5 km) to be implemented in highly rugged and mountainous terrain, with the difficult Himalayan geology. The most difficult part is believed to be the crossing of the deep gorge of the Chenab River, near Salal Hydro Power Dam,[18] by the Chenab Bridge.

The engineering marvel lies in the seismic zone IV, and can withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale, high-intensity blasts, and winds up to speeds of 260 kilometre per hour.[19]

Another, smaller, arch bridge proposed on the new railway line was the 657m (2,156feet) long, 189m (620feet) high Anji Khad Bridge between Katra and Reasi over the Chenab river tributary river. This proposal was abandoned by the railway due to the specific geology of the location and a cable-stayed bridge is proposed, which will be Indian Railways first cable-stayed bridge.

Design

After many deliberations, taking into account aesthetics, economy, and availability of local expertise and construction materials, the Chenab Rail Bridge was designed as a large span single arch steel bridge with approach viaducts on either side. The arch is two-ribbed, fabricated from large steel trusses. 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 Indian construction standards such as the Indian Railway Standards (IRS), the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and the Indian Standards (IS) were found inadequate for the large spans of the Chenab Bridge. For example, the Indian Railway Standards (IRS) is primarily intended for simply supported bridges with spans up to 100m (although these have been successfully used for higher spans up to 154m). The spans for the Chenab Rail Bridge greatly exceed this limit, and are continuous. Therefore, to assure a safe design, Indian national standards have been supplemented with International standards such as British Standards (BS), International Union of Railways (UIC) and Euro. Also, many global experts with versatile and relevant experience, have been involved in order to facilitate making the project a success.

Following are some of the design considerations taken into account:

The quality aspect has been emphasized, as the quantum of fabrication and welding is colossal. Mostly indigenous material compliant to IS codes has been planned to be used, whereas for the design, international codes have been referred, which means the Quality Control work is still difficult.

Construction

The Chenab Rail Bridge was originally intended to be completed in December 2009.[20] However, in September 2008, the project was halted due to fears over the bridge's stability and safety.[21] Work on the bridge restarted in 2010,[22] with the plan to complete it in 2015.[23]

The design and construction was awarded to Afcons Infrastructure,[24] a part of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, the third-largest construction group in India, with the help of IISc Bangalore. Major construction decisions were taken by Konkan Railway Corporation. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) helped in the design of the bridge, making it blast-proof using special steel.[25]

The erection scheme for the bridge is a project in itself. Two pylons (about 130 m and 100 m high) were erected on either side of the river, and two auxiliary self-propelled cable cranes (capacity of 20 tonnes each) were used to tow temporary auxiliary ropes across these pylons. The ropes were used to support the partly finished arch parts. After arch completion, the trusses will be added, finally the girder will be constructed as a horizontal sliding type platform.

Project status

Maintenance

Regular painting of large bridges is an intimidating task; hence, a painting scheme was developed, having renewal of over 15 years, compared to approx. 5 to 7 years in most other Indian railway bridges.[42]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Salient Features of the Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges. https://web.archive.org/web/20031208010318/http://www.konkanrailway.com/website/tender/annexure1.pdf. dead. 2003-12-08. Official Webpage of the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited. 2008-08-14.
  2. Web site: 2022-08-13 . Chenab Bridge, World's Highest Rail Bridge Taller Than Eiffel Tower, Inaugurated Today All You Need to Know . 2022-08-13 . India.com . en . 13 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164853/https://www.india.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-inaugurated-today-all-you-need-to-know-5570123/ . live .
  3. Web site: Quixplained: Chenab arch bridge which will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari. 7 April 2021. Indian Express. 9 April 2021. 9 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210409053017/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chenab-arch-bridge-kashmir-7264526/. live.
  4. Web site: 2 August 2020 . PTI . Chenab rail bridge to be ready by next year . 2022-02-27 . The Times of India . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200802162958/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chenab-rail-bridge-to-be-ready-by-next-year/articleshow/77314251.cms . live .
  5. Web site: Sagotra . Yogesh . 7 November 2017 . World's tallest railway bridge on Chenab to complete by May 2019 . Greater Kashmir . 8 October 2019 . 8 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190608195553/https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/worlds-tallest-railway-bridge-on-chenab-to-complete-by-may-2019/ . live .
  6. News: 2013-02-17 . World's highest rail bridge to come up across Chenab river . Hindustan Times . PTI . dead . 2013-02-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130217170019/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/World-s-highest-rail-bridge-to-come-up-across-Chenab-river/Article1-1012851.aspx . 2013-02-17.
  7. Web site: 2022-08-13 . Chenab Bridge, World's Highest Rail Bridge Taller Than Eiffel Tower, Inaugurated Today All You Need to Know . 2022-08-13 . India.com . en . 13 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164853/https://www.india.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-inaugurated-today-all-you-need-to-know-5570123/ . live .
  8. Web site: Jha . Srinand . 6 November 2017 . Railways launches main arch of Chenab: World's highest rail bridge an impressive feat but are celebrations misplaced? . Firstpost . 20 February 2018 . 20 February 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180220212206/http://www.firstpost.com/india/railways-inaugurates-main-arch-of-chenab-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-an-impressive-feat-but-is-there-much-to-celebrate-4195915.html . live .
  9. News: Railway to Connect Kashmir with Rest of India by Start of 2024, Ladakh to Get 500 Towers: Ashwini Vaishnaw. News18. 25 March 2023. 25 March 2023. en.
  10. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/plans-to-connect-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-through-rail-pushed-to-july/article67867799.ece
  11. News: 16 June 2024 . Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest rail bridge will soon see train services . 18 June 2024 . timesofindia.indiatimes.
  12. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/india/in-pics-railways-successful-trial-run-on-worlds-highest-chenab-bridge-in-kashmir-2759529
  13. TECHNICAL PAPER ON ANJI KHAD AND CHENAB BRIDGES . Narayan . Laxmi . March 2006 . Advances in Bridge Engineering . 101–114 . 2008-01-14.
  14. News: Chenab Bridge. 25 June 2016. Trimble Solutions Corporation. 25 June 2016. 1 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160701132708/http://www.tekla.com/bim-awards/chenab-bridge. live.
  15. Web site: Indian Railways makes history;Awards largest bridge contract in J&K. Project Monitor. 2008-08-14. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080220020225/http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=8395. 2008-02-20.
  16. Web site: J&K Rail Link Project. Northern Railway Website: Official Page on the Kashmir Railway Project. 2008-05-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20080506085448/http://www.nr.indianrail.gov.in/scripts/static/jammuandkashmir.aspx. 6 May 2008.
  17. Singh . Mahendra Kumar . 30 May 2011 . At 359 metres, rail bridge over Chenab will be world's highest . dead . . https://web.archive.org/web/20121105204349/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-30/india/29599906_1_chenab-bridge-rail-bridge-highest-railway-bridge . 2012-11-05 . 2011-05-31.
  18. News: Chenab Rail bridge will be highest in the world. https://web.archive.org/web/20080120120958/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011757570500.htm. dead. 2008-01-20. 2008-08-14. Chennai, India. The Hindu. 2008-01-17.
  19. News: Ahmad . Nissar . 2024-04-07 . In Frames The Kashmir valley is not far . 2024-04-09 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  20. News: 2007-11-05 . J&K to have world's tallest bridge . . PTI . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121018211747/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-05/india/27960621_1_chenab-bridge-tallest-bridge-reasi . 2012-10-18 . 2008-01-14.
  21. News: Chenab bridge plan back on track despite safety worries | India News . The Times of India. 23 June 2009 . 8 October 2019. 17 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191117115837/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chenab-bridge-plan-back-on-track-despite-safety-worries/articleshow/4690088.cms. live.
  22. Web site: 10 June 2010 . Work Resumes on Tallest Rail Bridge in India . Railway Technology . 1 November 2012 . 2 October 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121002045251/http://www.railway-technology.com/news/news87583.html . live .
  23. News: Singh . Mahendra Kumar . 18 June 2012 . Highest railway bridge in J&K to be ready by 2015 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130511224400/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-18/india/32298584_1_chenab-bridge-katra-dharam-topography-and-fragile-geology . 11 May 2013.
  24. Web site: Chenab Rail Bridge, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Railway Technology. 2013-07-04. 15 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210415170401/https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chenab-bridge-jammu-kashmir/. live.
  25. Web site: Kashmir To Get "Blast-Proof" World's Highest Railway Bridge Over River Chenab. The Eurasian Times. 28 December 2018. 2018-12-28. 21 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210421082332/https://eurasiantimes.com/kashmir-to-get-blast-proof-worlds-highest-railway-bridge-over-river-chenab/. live.
  26. Web site: India joins the superlative club, we now have the world's highest rail bridge .
  27. Web site: World's highest railway bridge, taller than Eiffel Tower, nearing completion in J&K. 13 November 2018. Zee News. 8 October 2019. 8 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191008090351/https://zeenews.india.com/india/worlds-highest-railway-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-nearing-completion-in-jk-2155242.html. live.
  28. Web site: 2018-12-01 . Kashmir rail link to see further delay after work stops yet again . 2021-10-12 . The Kashmir Walla . 27 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211027205042/https://thekashmirwalla.com/kashmir-rail-link-to-see-further-delay-after-work-stops-yet-again/ . live .
  29. Web site: Chenab rail bridge to miss 2020 deadline. T. P. T.. Bureau. 3 December 2018. 13 December 2018. 6 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210506220839/https://thepolicytimes.com/chenab-rail-bridge-to-miss-2020-deadline/. live.
  30. News: Jacob . Shine . 19 August 2019 . Railway project to link Kashmir with rest of India put on fast track . Business Standard India . 6 September 2019 . 6 September 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190906040526/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/railway-project-to-link-kashmir-with-rest-of-india-put-on-fast-track-119081901302_1.html . live .
  31. Web site: Nag . Devanjana . 25 December 2019 . Indian Railways Chenab bridge, world s highest railway bridge, to be ready by this date; project details . Financial Express . 25 December 2019 . 25 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191225194755/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-railway-bridge-to-be-ready-by-this-date-project-details/1758312/ . live .
  32. Web site: Nag . Devanjana . 2020-01-16 . Chenab bridge: World's highest rail bridge taller than Eiffel Tower, can withstand blasts! 10 stunning facts . 2021-10-12 . The Financial Express . 6 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200206233300/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-can-withstand-blasts-10-stunning-facts/1824028/ . live .
  33. News: Arch Closure Ceremony of Chenab Bridge on USBRL Project, Northern Railway. USBRL. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/pdBXZe8Feio. 2021-12-12 . live.
  34. Web site: 6 April 2021 . Railways completes world's highest rail bridge arch: Why Chenab bridge is called an 'engineering marvel' . 2021-04-15 . Times Now . 15 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210415000136/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/railways-completes-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-arch-why-chenab-bridge-is-called-an-engineering-marvel/741721 . live .
  35. News: Indian Railways completes close to 90 percent work on world's highest Chenab rail bridge. Zee News. 24 June 2022. 17 July 2022. en. 17 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220717121349/https://zeenews.india.com/railways/indian-railways-completes-close-to-90-percent-work-on-worlds-highest-chenab-rail-bridge-2477499.html/amp. live.
  36. Web site: Chenab Bridge: Before 'Golden' Launch Today, Cross Journey Behind Making J&K's Marvel With News18 . 2022-08-13 . News18 . 13 August 2022 . en . 13 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164832/https://www.news18.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-before-the-golden-launch-today-cross-journey-behind-making-jks-marvel-with-news18-5742139.html . live .
  37. Web site: Desk . India com News . Chenab Bridge, World's Highest Rail Bridge Taller Than Eiffel Tower, Inaugurated Today All You Need to Know India.com . 2022-08-13 . www.india.com . 13 August 2022 . en . 13 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220813164853/https://www.india.com/news/india/chenab-bridge-worlds-highest-rail-bridge-taller-than-eiffel-tower-inaugurated-today-all-you-need-to-know-5570123/ . live .
  38. Web site: Track-laying work on world's highest railway bridge starts .
  39. Web site: Track-laying work begins on world's highest rail bridge in J&K's Reasi . 21 February 2023 .
  40. Web site: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project on Chenab Bridge: Track laying work begins on world's highest Railway bridge | the Financial Express .
  41. News: Railway to Connect Kashmir with Rest of India by Start of 2024, Ladakh to Get 500 Towers: Ashwini Vaishnaw. News18. 25 March 2023. 25 March 2023. en.
  42. Web site: Tiwari . Neelam . 2017-05-03 . J&K The railway bridge being built on the Chenab river will be 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. . 2021-10-12 . Dainik Bhaskar . hi . 28 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211028165940/https://www.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-NAN-a-rail-bridge-taller-than-the-eiffel-tower-over-the-chenab-5589266-PHO.html . live .

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