From mules to machines: How India built the record-breaking Chenab bridge

At 359m high, the bridge is marvel born from grit, cliffs and bold engineering

Last updated: June 08, 2025 | 14:31

Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor

4 MIN READ

The Chenab bridge, the world's highest rail arch bridge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir.

AFP

Dubai: In the early days, there were no roads — only cliffs, foot trails, and mules.

Survey teams camped on Himalayan ledges under freezing skies, hauling equipment by hand and hoof, inching toward a dream once thought impossible: Laying railway tracks through one of India’s most unforgiving terrains.

Stephen N RSenior Associate Editor

A Senior Associate Editor with more than 30 years in the media, Stephen N.R. curates, edits and publishes impactful stories for Gulf News — both in print and online — focusing on Middle East politics, student issues and explainers on global topics. Stephen has spent most of his career in journalism, working behind the scenes — shaping headlines, editing copy and putting together newspaper pages with precision. For the past many years, he has brought that same dedication to the Gulf News digital team, where he curates stories, crafts explainers and helps keep both the web and print editions sharp and engaging.