CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
On June 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, officially recognized as the highest railway arch bridge in the world, located in Jammu and Kashmir. This monumental event also marks the full completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) a landmark infrastructure project that has taken over four decades to complete.
The Chenab Bridge and USBRL together are set to redefine connectivity in the region, offering uninterrupted, electrified rail access to the Kashmir Valley, thus strengthening national integration and enhancing regional trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.
Key Highlights
The newly inaugurated Chenab Bridge now holds the distinction of being the tallest railway bridge globally even taller than the Eiffel Tower. It represents the final piece in the 272-kilometre-long USBRL corridor, which was conceived over 40 years ago to link Kashmir with the Indian railway grid. This is the first time the valley will enjoy year-round, weather-resilient, electric train connectivity.
USBRL Project At A Glance
Total Length: 272 km (Udhampur to Baramulla)
Purpose:
Deliver seamless railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley
Promote economic growth and infrastructure development in remote areas
Reduce travel time and enhance national security logistics
Boost tourism, trade, and job creation in Jammu & Kashmir
Project Timeline and Sections Commissioned
Qazigund to Baramulla (118 km) – Operational since October 2009
Qazigund to Banihal (18 km) – Launched in June 2013
Udhampur to Katra (25 km) – Opened in July 2014
Banihal to Sangaldan (48.1 km) – Commissioned in February 2024
Chenab Bridge Inauguration – Completed in June 2025
Chenab Rail Bridge: Engineering Marvel
Height: 359 metres (higher than Eiffel Tower)
Main Span: 467 metres
Total Length: 1,315 metres
Material: Steel and reinforced concrete
Design Features: Resistant to high seismic activity and extreme wind speeds constructed in one of the most geologically complex regions in the Himalayas electrified rail line promotes sustainable, green transportation spans across the Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus
Other Key Infrastructure Developments
Anji Bridge
India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge
Strategically located between Katra and Reasi
Overcomes steep, hilly terrain to support USBRL connectivity
Vande Bharat Express Services
New trains introduced between Katra and Srinagar
Travel time reduced to approximately 3 hours
Enhances pilgrimage access and boosts tourism and commerce
Healthcare Expansion
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
Located in Katra, Reasi district
Rupees 350 crore investment
First medical college in the region
Expected to significantly improve access to modern healthcare in the area
Broader Significance
The completion of USBRL and inauguration of the Chenab Bridge are not just infrastructure milestones but also symbols of unity and strategic advancement. With reduced travel times, enhanced freight capacity, and improved access to remote areas, this development represents a major leap for regional integration, disaster management, and economic upliftment.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
