Indian-administered Kashmir will soon be linked to the rest of India by train through the world’s tallest single-arch rail bridge. Completed over two decades by the Indian railways, this bridge spans the River Chenab in the Reasi district of Jammu and stands 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The inaugural train journey across the bridge, connecting the Bakkal and Kauri areas, is expected soon.
The bridge is a key component of a 272-kilometer all-weather railway line that passes through Jammu and will eventually extend to the Kashmir valley, though a completion timeline has not been confirmed. This new railway link aims to provide a reliable alternative to the highway, which is frequently blocked by heavy snowfall during winter.
Experts highlight the strategic significance of the new railway line for India, especially considering the region’s turbulent history. The Kashmir region, claimed by both India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, has been the center of conflict, with two wars fought over it. The area has been marred by an insurgency against Indian rule since 1989, leading to a significant military presence.
Giridhar Rajagopalan, the deputy managing director of Afcons Infrastructure, which constructed the bridge, emphasized that the rail bridge will facilitate the movement of military personnel and equipment to border areas throughout the year. This could bolster India’s ability to manage potential aggression from neighboring Pakistan and China, according to strategic affairs expert Shruti Pandalai.
Local residents have mixed feelings about the project. While some believe the improved transport links will benefit them, others fear increased control by the Indian government over the valley. The railway line is part of a broader infrastructural expansion by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which, in 2019, revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, dividing it into two federally administered territories. This move, accompanied by a security clampdown, has been controversial, sparking anger in the region.
Ms. Pandalai points out that while strategic aims may drive India’s plans, the government must also consider local needs and contexts. The construction of the Chenab bridge, approved in 2003, faced numerous challenges due to the region’s rugged terrain, safety concerns, and legal hurdles. Engineers often had to access the remote location on foot or by mule during the early phases of construction.
The Himalayan mountain range, being relatively young, poses unique engineering challenges. The bridge is located in a highly seismic area, prompting the Indian railways to conduct extensive studies to ensure it could withstand strong winds and earthquakes. Rajagopalan noted that logistics were a major challenge due to the location’s inaccessibility and narrow roads, requiring many bridge components to be constructed on site.
Besides engineering hurdles, the railways designed the bridge to be blast-proof. Afcons claims it can withstand explosions of up to 40kg of TNT and maintain train operations, albeit at reduced speeds, even if a pillar is damaged.
Enabling year-round connectivity to the Kashmir valley could significantly boost the region’s economy. Winter road closures have been a persistent issue for the valley’s primarily agriculture-based businesses. According to the Observer Research Foundation, 70% of Kashmiris rely on perishable fruit cultivation. Ubair Shah, who runs a large cold storage facility in Pulwama district, believes the rail link could have a substantial impact, potentially expanding the market for Kashmir’s plums and apples to southern India, thus increasing farmers’ incomes.
However, without improved last-mile connectivity, Shah is skeptical about a rapid shift to rail cargo, citing the logistical challenges of transporting produce to the nearest station, 50 kilometers away, and the need to minimize handling for perishable goods.
The project is also expected to boost tourism in the region. Despite its remote location, Kashmir has seen a surge in tourist arrivals. A direct train between Jammu and Srinagar could be more affordable and halve travel time, further encouraging tourism.
There are, however, significant challenges ahead. The region continues to experience violence, with a recent increase in militant activity in the Jammu region, including a deadly attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi. These incidents underscore the fragile peace in the area, suggesting that without stability, the potential economic benefits of connectivity projects may be limited.
