The Vande Bharat train crossing the famous Chenab Bridge has gained attention online after the Ministry of Railways released an astonishing video of the train crossing the engineering marvel in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ministry posted the video on September 10, Thursday, with the caption “The view is so good that even scrolling will have to wait” and the hashtags #VandeBharat and #ChenabBridge.
The footage shows a stunning view of Vande Bharat passing over a high railway bridge, with the orange and gray train standing out against the mountainous landscape. The Chenab Bridge, built over the Chenab River, has become one of the most recognizable symbols of India’s expanding railway infrastructure.
Vande Bharat on the highest railway bridge in the world
The Chenab Railway Bridge rises 359 meters above the river bed, making it the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. In addition, it is approximately 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower. The bridge is an important part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), which provides rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
The bridge is 1,315 meters long and consists of more than 28,000 tons of steel. It was designed to withstand challenging conditions including high wind speeds and earthquakes, making it one of the most ambitious rail infrastructure projects undertaken in the region.
Vande Bharat journey through Kashmir
The Vande Bharat service across Jammu and Kashmir has added another modern element to the iconic route. In April this year, the Srinagar-Jammu Tawi Vande Bharat service was extended to Jammu Tawi, allowing passengers to travel directly between Jammu and Srinagar without changing trains at Katra.
The route has also drawn attention to the speed at which Vande Bharat trains can move across the bridge.
In August, the Vande Bharat vehicle crossed the Chenab Bridge at a speed of nearly 100 kmph, marking a milestone in the development of rail services on the structure.
45,000 passengers in 10 days
According to the government, the Vande Bharat service has received a great response since its launch, carrying around 45,000 passengers in the first 10 days.
The train has also become an important all-weather mode of transport for the region, with weekend occupancy levels regularly reaching 98%, the government said.
Jammu-Kashmir corridor gets four daily Vande Bharat flights
In May, the Railways said two pairs of Vande Bharat trains operating on the corridor would together provide four daily train services between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar at least five days a week.
According to the railroads, trains No. 26401 and 26402 operate six days a week except Tuesday, while trains No. 26403 and 26404 operate every day except Wednesday. He added that even on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, two services continue to operate, providing regular two-way communication for local residents, tourists, pilgrims and traders.