World’s highest rail bridge to be ready by 2015

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The world’s highest rail bridge, which will be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower, is due to be completed by 2015.

Indian Railways will become the first railway network in the world to operate train services on the bridge, which is part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.

The bridge is being constructed over Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district by Konkan Railways and will have a height of 359 metres (1,180 feet) – 35 metres taller than Eiffel Tower.

Speaking on the development, Rajesh Tiwari, director of Konkan Railways, said: “It will be completed in 42 months from now.”

The Chenab bridge is being built at an initial estimated cost of $100 million, but experts believe costs will rise substantially because of  increases in the price of steel and other raw materials.

Rajesh Agarwal, ED of Konkan Railways said: “The 1,315-metre-long bridge will use 25,000 metric tonnes of steel and it will be an engineering marvel considering the steep topography and fragile geology of the region.”

The Railways has decided not to allow any trains to pass through the bridge if the wind velocity is more than 90 kmph. At the height of 359 meters wind speed can reach up to 266 kmph.

However, they have also designed the signalling system that will show a stop sign as soon wind breaks the 90 kmph mark.

The bridge will get a special coat of paint with a life span of around 35 years to protect it from harsh weather.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Looks like the ‘Cassandra Crossing’.   Otherwise known as the Garabit Viaduct in France, which was built by Gustave Eiffel.

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