The world's highest steel arch rail bridge, spanning the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu, is undergoing development and will soon be turned into a prominent tourist attraction. The 1.3 km bridge, perched at a height of 359 m above the riverbed, surpasses the Eiffel Tower's height by 35 m, and holds a pivotal role in the 111 km Katra to Banihal stretch, part of the ongoing Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.
Referring to this, Chief Secretary A K Mehta, alongside Deputy Commissioner Babila Rakwal and other officials, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the bridge site near Jyotipuram, situated 42 km from Reasi town. During the visit, Mehta, along with engineers and Indian Railways officers, discussed the unique engineering marvel's features, hailing its unparalleled significance worldwide.
Recognizing the engineering team's commendable progress, Mehta urged the district administration to swiftly transform this architectural marvel into a top-tier tourist destination. Mehta also emphasized the bridge's picturesque natural setting, suggesting minimal intervention could make it a significant tourist attraction.
He called upon the divisional and district administration to enhance road maintenance from Reasi to the bridge site and advised the installation of crash barriers as necessary.
Mehta noted that Reasi district, home to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills, draws the highest tourist footfall in Jammu and Kashmir, nearly crossing one crore visitors annually.
Mehta emphasized the district's substantial potential to attract even more visitors to its historical and natural landmarks, such as Shiv Khori, Salal Dam, and Bhimgarh Fort. He proposed further development to place these sites on the national tourism map, transforming the district into a thriving tourism hub.
He also offered additional suggestions to make the district an employment-generating tourism center for both locals and residents from other regions of the Union Territory. His recommendations included developing a well-planned tourist circuit within the district, improving amenities, and enhancing connectivity between key locations to ensure seamless movement for tourists.
The ambitious 119 km railway project involves the construction of 38 tunnels and 931 bridges, spanning a total length of 13 km. This effort aims to establish a railway link in the challenging Himalayan terrain.