No ‘free for all’ visits to world’s highest rail bridge till Jan 26

Saroor
Jammu, Jan 09: In view of the augmented security scenario across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there will be no ‘free for all’ visits for the tourists and other visitors to world’s highest rail bridge in the Reasi district till January 26 (Republic Day).
Sources in the administration said that strict restrictions are imposed on free movement by the civilians close to the world’s highest railway bridge built on Chenab River.
“The troops of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed on both sides of the Bakkal-Kauri bridge,” they said.
Sources added that the Bakkal-Kauri bridge is the strategic connectivity of Udhampur-Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link project connecting Kashmir with rest of the country through rail, adding, “till January 26, the visitors including the tourists, will not be allowed to have a close glimpse of the bridge but only from a distance.”
“The selfies can also be clicked at the selfie point, which is set up about a kilometer away from the marvel of engineering structure,” they said.
Sources revealed that the decision to prevent visitors from allowing close to the bridge was taken in view of the security reasons, adding they said, “However, villagers travelling from Kauri to Bakkal are asked to carry their photo identity cards, which are to be produced at the special check posts installed along the road passing by the bridge.”
“The CRPF personnel have been deployed on both sides of the bridge, who are keeping an eye on every visitor,” they said.
Notably, the height of the bridge is 359 meters and the length is 1315 meters.
“Since the construction of the bridge, a large number of locals and tourists have been visiting every day to have a glimpse of the marvel of engineering, which is also a center of attraction for the pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori,” they said.
“The restrictions will soon be lifted after taking a review with the concerned security agencies so that visitors can visit this world class infrastructure that has brought Reasi district on international map,” they added.
In April 2021, the Chenab Rail Bridge’s arch was completed and the overall bridge was completed in August 2022.
It is expected to open to rail traffic by January-February this year.