With reference to the Chenab bridge and the USBRL line, consider the following statements: 1. The Chenab bridge stands 359 meters above the river bed. 2. The bridge is designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes. 3. The USBRL line spans a total distance of 300 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Indian Railways to build viewing platforms and engineering museum at 359m-high Chenab bridge

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims· 15 October 2026

Infrastructure and tourism: a GS3 case study on regional connectivity and engineering marvels.

Why in news

Indian Railways is constructing viewing platforms and an engineering museum at the Chenab bridge in Jammu and Kashmir to develop it into a tourist destination.

Background

The Chenab bridge is a 1300-meter-long steel arch bridge standing 359 meters above the river. It is part of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (USBRL) line, which includes 36 tunnels and over 900 bridges.

Facts for Prelims

FactChenab bridge height: 359 meters above the river bed
FactUSBRL line length: 272 km
PlaceChenab bridge location: Jammu and Kashmir
FactVande Bharat travel time: Katra to Srinagar in less than 3 hours
FactEngineering specs: Designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquake and extreme winds

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Chenab bridge and the USBRL line, consider the following statements:

The Chenab bridge stands 359 meters above the river bed.
The bridge is designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes.
The USBRL line spans a total distance of 300 km.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)3 only
(d)1 and 2 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The USBRL line is 272 km long.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the development of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link serves as a catalyst for regional integration and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Logistical integration: Reducing travel time between Katra and Srinagar to under 3 hours via Vande Bharat
Geological engineering: Addressing construction challenges in highly seismic Himalayan terrain
Tourism-led development: Transitioning critical infrastructure into a destination for engineering and heritage tourism

Keywords: Infrastructure development · Regional connectivity · Engineering marvel · Logistics · Tourism promotion

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