Chenab Rail Bridge Becomes a Scenic Highlight for Srinagar Flights – Passengers Share Visuals
Srinagar, June 10, 2025 – The newly inaugurated Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, has not only transformed rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir but has also turned into a breathtaking spectacle for air travellers. Passengers flying over the region are now capturing stunning aerial views of the engineering marvel, while pilots make special announcements to ensure no one misses the sight.
A Bird’s-Eye View of an Engineering Marvel
From 30,000 feet in the air, the Chenab Bridge appears as a sweeping steel arch, stretching 359 metres above the Chenab River—taller than the Eiffel Tower. Its dramatic structure, set against the rugged Himalayan terrain and winding rivers, creates a postcard-perfect scene that has turned routine flights into unforgettable experiences.
Flight crews on routes between Srinagar and Delhi now make announcements alereting passengers as the aircraft approaches the bridge, prompting a rush to cabin windows. Mobile phones and cameras come out as travellers try to capture the majestic sight—some even breaking into applause mid-air.
Yesterday, Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji has inaugurated the world's highest rail bridge #ChenabBridge and today while flying from SriNagar to Delhi, we flew over the Chenab Bridge and thanked Modi Ji for this great & international achievement of India 🇮🇳.
— Nishant🇮🇳 (@iNishant4) June 7, 2025
It was a proud moment… pic.twitter.com/rExJKs665m
Viral Aerial Footage Sparks National Pride
One such video, shared by a passenger flying from Srinagar to Delhi, went viral on social media, showcasing the bridge in all its glory. The clip, which highlights the bridge cutting through the mountainous landscape, has drawn widespread admiration for India’s engineering prowess.
For many, the sight is emotional. “People have teared up seeing it from the sky,” said a flight attendant. “It’s not just a bridge—it’s a symbol of what India can achieve.”
Another video was shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw from a closure angle during a helicopter flight:
Helicopter shot 🎥 – Chenab bridge pic.twitter.com/IGkJ3uZM7u
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 26, 2024
More Than Just Infrastructure – A Lifeline for Jammu & Kashmir
The Chenab Bridge is a critical part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), connecting Katra to Sangaldan and eventually linking New Delhi to the Kashmir Valley by rail for the first time. The new route has drastically reduced travel time—trains like the Vande Bharat Express now cover in three hours what once took six to seven hours by road.
Beyond convenience, the bridge represents resilience and ambition. Engineers overcame seismic risks, extreme weather, and treacherous terrain to build it, using 28,000 metric tonnes of steel and a first-of-its-kind cable-crane system to span the 915-metre-wide gorge. Designed to withstand wind speeds of 266 km/h, the structure is a testament to India’s engineering excellence.
Ground-Level Excitement Matches Aerial Wonder
The buzz isn’t limited to flights—locals and tourists are trekking to hilltops near Reasi district to witness the bridge up close. Many are live-streaming their views on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, further amplifying its fame.
As the Chenab Bridge continues to captivate travellers from the sky and the ground, it stands as a proud symbol of India’s infrastructural achievements and unbreakable spirit.
