Indian Railways is executing some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects of the 21st century, reshaping connectivity, logistics, and regional integration across the country. From record-breaking bridges in challenging terrains to dedicated freight corridors and high-speed rail, these projects reflect India’s growing engineering capability and long-term transport vision, according to a recent official release.
One of the most strategically significant projects is the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272-kilometre line constructed at an estimated cost of ₹44,000 crore. Passing through the Himalayan region, the project includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed—higher than the Eiffel Tower. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch structure has been engineered to withstand high seismic activity and extreme wind conditions.
The USBRL project also features India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Rail Bridge, along with 36 tunnels spanning nearly 119 kilometres and 943 bridges. Once fully operational, the line will provide all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, significantly boosting mobility, tourism, and economic activity in the region.
Another major milestone is the New Pamban Railway Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge. Built at a cost of around ₹550 crore, the 2.08-kilometre-long bridge ensures reliable rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a key pilgrimage and tourism destination. Designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, the bridge incorporates advanced corrosion protection systems, extending its service life significantly. The project has also received the Steel Structures & Metal Buildings Award 2024 for excellence in bridge design.
Indian Railways has also made substantial progress in the North Eastern region, where connectivity challenges persisted for decades. Since 2014, over 1,679 kilometres of new railway lines have been laid, more than 2,500 route kilometres electrified, and over 470 road overbridges and underbridges constructed. The commissioning of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line has connected Aizawl to the national rail network for the first time, making it the fourth capital in the Northeast with rail connectivity. Additionally, 60 stations in the region are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
In the freight sector, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) programme is transforming India’s logistics landscape. The Eastern and Western DFCs together span 2,843 kilometres, with over 96 percent of the network already commissioned. These corridors are easing congestion on passenger routes, reducing transit times, and lowering logistics costs for industries and ports, thereby supporting faster economic growth.
Meanwhile, progress continues on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, which aims to introduce world-class bullet train technology in India. As of December 2025, over 330 kilometres of viaduct work has been completed, along with major bridge, track, and electrification milestones. Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between two of India’s most important economic hubs.
Collectively, these landmark projects underline Indian Railways’ central role in national development—enhancing connectivity, strengthening regional integration, and supporting India’s long-term economic and infrastructural growth.
PIB
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