A new Kashmir rail bridge that could be a game-changer for India

A remarkable new bridge in Kashmir is making waves as it stands as the highest rail bridge in the world. This impressive structure, built over the Chenab River, towers 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is set to connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of India by train for the very first time. The Indian railways took over 20 years to complete this monumental project in the Reasi district of Jammu. Soon, the first train will run across this bridge, linking the Bakkal and Kauri areas. This bridge is part of a larger railway project that spans 272 kilometers, or about 169 miles, and aims to connect Jammu all the way to the Kashmir valley. Currently, during the winter months, the road leading to the Kashmir valley often becomes blocked due to heavy snowfall, making travel difficult for residents. Experts believe that this new railway line will provide India with a strategic advantage in the border region, which has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for decades. The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since their independence in 1947. Both countries claim the region in its entirety but only control parts of it. Since 1989, there has been an armed insurgency against Indian rule in the region, resulting in thousands of lives lost and a significant military presence. The new bridge is part of a broader initiative to connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of India. Some locals express optimism about the project, believing it will enhance transportation links and benefit their daily lives. However, there are also concerns that it may allow the Indian government to exert more control over the valley. The railway line is part of a larger infrastructure expansion plan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which in 2019 revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and divided the state into two federally administered territories. This controversial move was accompanied by a lengthy security clampdown that sparked widespread anger in the region. Since then, the government has implemented several administrative changes that are perceived as attempts to integrate Kashmir more closely with the rest of India. The construction of the Chenab bridge was approved in 2003, but it faced numerous delays and missed deadlines due to the region's challenging terrain, safety concerns, and legal issues. Engineers working on the project had to navigate the remote location on foot or by mule during the early stages of construction. The Himalayas are a relatively young mountain range, and their geological features are still not fully understood. The bridge is situated in a highly seismic zone, prompting the Indian railways to conduct extensive exploration studies and modify its design to ensure it can withstand simulated wind speeds of up to 266 kilometers per hour. Logistics posed another significant challenge due to the inaccessibility of the site and narrow roads. Many components of the bridge were built and assembled on-site. In addition to engineering challenges, the railways had to design a blast-proof structure. Afcons, the contractor responsible for the bridge's construction, claims that it can withstand a strong explosion equivalent to 40 kilograms of TNT, allowing trains to continue operating, albeit at reduced speeds, even if damage occurs. Experts believe that establishing all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir valley could provide a much-needed boost to the region's economy. Poor connectivity during winter months has been a significant obstacle for the valley's predominantly agriculture-based businesses. According to the Observer Research Foundation, seven out of ten Kashmiris rely on cultivating perishable fruits. Ubair Shah, who owns one of the largest cold storage facilities in Pulwama district, stated that the impact of the rail link could be substantial. Currently, most of the plums and apples stored in his facility are transported to markets in northern states like Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi. The new railway line would open up access to southern India, potentially increasing farmers' incomes. However, Shah expressed concerns about the lack of better last-mile connectivity, stating that the nearest station is 50 kilometers away. He emphasized that transporting perishable goods requires minimizing handling, which complicates the logistics of using the railway. The project is also expected to enhance the region's tourism revenue. Kashmir's stunning tourist attractions have seen a recent surge in visitors, despite the area's remoteness. A direct train service between Jammu and Srinagar could not only reduce travel costs but also cut travel time in half, providing a significant boost to tourism. Nevertheless, challenges remain. Kashmir continues to experience incidents of violence, with a recent increase in militant activity raising concerns. In June, a deadly attack on a bus in Reasi resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, highlighting the ongoing security issues in the region. Experts caution that such incidents serve as a reminder of the fragile peace in Kashmir, and without stability, connectivity projects may have limited success in revitalizing the local economy.