Photo Frenzy on Flights when Pilot announces – ‘Below you is the Chenab Bridge’

Chenab Bridge Becomes a Captivating Spectacle from the Skies

The Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway-arch bridge located in Jammu and Kashmir, has quickly transformed from an engineering project into a celebrated national landmark. Since its inauguration on June 6 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bridge has become a significant point of interest, capturing the admiration of people both on the ground and in the air.

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A New Highlight on the Flight Path

A new and unique trend has emerged on flights passing over the picturesque Chenab valley. According to a press statement from the railway ministry, airline pilots have begun making special announcements to draw passengers' attention to the magnificent structure below. As planes approach the valley, passengers now hear the words, “Below you is the world’s tallest railway-arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge.”

This announcement is reportedly met with a wave of excitement and pride within the cabin. The railway ministry's press note described the scene: "A wave of pride sweeps through the cabin -- passengers clap, smile and share words of admiration for the brilliance of Indian engineering." Passengers are eagerly capturing photos and videos of the bridge from their windows, sharing the sight across various social media platforms. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, eloquently captured this sentiment, stating, "The Chenab Bridge draws admiration from every altitude, where pride rises from the earth and echoes through the clouds."

An Attraction on the Ground

The bridge's appeal is not limited to those flying overhead. It has also become a major draw for local residents and visitors in the region. People from nearby villages and hilly areas are reportedly flocking to the site to witness the stunning structure firsthand. They are often seen taking photographs from various vantage points and sharing live videos on social media, further amplifying the excitement and spreading the bridge's fame across the country.

An Engineering Marvel

The public's fascination with the Chenab Bridge is rooted in its impressive scale and the remarkable engineering that brought it to life.

• It is a key component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

• Standing 359 meters above the Chenab River, it is officially the tallest railway bridge in the world.

• Its height surpasses that of Paris's Eiffel Tower by 35 meters and it is nearly five times taller than the Qutub Minar in Delhi.

• The bridge has a total length of 1,315 meters, with its main steel arch spanning 467 meters.

• It is designed to withstand powerful winds of up to 266 kilometers per hour.

The construction itself was a monumental undertaking, requiring the use of a cutting-edge cable-crane system, a first for Indian Railways, to bridge the 915-meter-wide gap over the valley.

The spontaneous celebration of the Chenab Bridge by ordinary citizens, whether from a plane window or a nearby hillside, marks its successful transition from an engineering blueprint to a living symbol of national achievement. It stands not just as a vital transport link, but as a source of collective pride and a new, iconic landmark for a modern India.