Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run on Thursday across the newly constructed Chenab Rail Bridge, marking a significant milestone in connecting Kashmir to the national rail network.

The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing at a staggering 359 meters (about 1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, is now the world’s highest railway bridge. It surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower by approximately 35 meters.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the achievement on social media, stating, “Successful trial run of MEMU train between Sangaldan – Reasi section of USBRL project. Jammu & Kashmir”.

The 1,315-meter-long bridge is a crucial component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. This project aims to integrate the Kashmir Valley with India’s expansive railway network.

Presently, train services operate from Kanyakumari to Katra and from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. Officials expect the entire USBRL project to be completed by the end of this year.

(Inputs from ANI)