In an era where infrastructure defines a nation’s global standing, India’s engineering marvels are no longer just headlines but life-changing realities. From the newly inaugurated world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, to the vertical-lift Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu, these ambitious projects are not only transforming landscapes but connecting lives. Whether it is easing commutes, boosting tourism, or asserting strategic presence, India’s mega infrastructure push is scripting a new chapter of national development.
Engineering Marvels of New India!✨
— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 11, 2025
From the Pamban Railway Sea Bridge in Tamil Nadu; India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, to the #ChenabBridge in Jammu & Kashmir; the world’s highest railway bridge, these iconic structures are redefining connectivity and showcasing… pic.twitter.com/HISkvB00wr
Chenab Rail Bridge and how it is set to change lives
The Chenab Rail Bridge is 359 metres above the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the tallest railway bridge in the world and surpasses the Eiffel Tower. It is a crucial link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country. Chenab Rail Bridge represents more than just an engineering feat as it promises transformation of the region that has been long isolated by terrain, weather and conflict.
There was no such bridge in the country to serve as an example for the team that built the Chenab Bridge. The steel arch of the bridge required innovation at every stage. Engineers behind the bridge adopted a design-as-you-go approach to deal with the unstable Himalayan geology. The bridge has been built using 63-mm-thick steel which is blast resistant and concrete piers. The bridge is capable of withstanding earthquakes, high-velocity winds and sabotage.
For over two decades, the region waited for better transport infrastructure. The bridge, which is a critical part of the Rs 35,000 crore USBRL project, will provide better accessibility to remote villages that were only reachable via foot or boat. Around 70 villages will benefit from the 2,015 km approach road and will open avenues for economic activity, education and healthcare.
Furthermore, it also provides a strategic route for the Indian defence forces in Kashmir and Ladakh. As it will provide all-weather rail access, the troops will no longer be hampered by snowfall or highway closures.
For the locals, it will provide an efficient route to transport perishable goods such as apples and walnuts. These products suffered losses due to poor road conditions. Tourism will see an uptick with the new rail link.
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge: Connecting Assam to Arunachal, powering the Northeast
Dhola-Sadiya Bridge was inaugurated by PM Modi in May 2017. It is 9.15 km long and built over the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the longest river bridge in India and provides 24×7 all-weather connectivity between upper Assam and the eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It has reduced the travel distance between Rupai in Assam and Meka in Arunachal Pradesh by 165 km. Because of the bridge, the distance between these two regions can now be covered in just one hour instead of six hours earlier.
Prior to the bridge, the transportation system relied on ferries that were often impacted by floods. It has changed the way both civilian and military travel within the region. It is vital for ensuring milk runs of goods and services, as well as the rapid mobilisation of defence forces towards border regions. This connectivity boost has contributed to economic growth in the region and has closed the gap between the Northeast and mainland India.
Vizhinjam International Seaport: A new gateway for India’s maritime future
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport was built in Kerala, and it cost the government Rs 8,800 crore. It is a major achievement for India’s maritime infrastructure. It was dedicated to the nation in May 2025 by PM Modi. Vizhinjam International Seaport is India’s only dedicated container transshipment port.
There is less reliance on foreign ports, allowing India to reclaim cargo revenues and better position itself as an international trader. Vizhinjam is located just a short ten nautical miles away from the international shipping lane.
It has a natural draft realisation of almost 20 metres, which easily fits the world’s largest cargo ships. It is a modern-day transshipment hub that can handle massive cargo volumes without complications. In the coming years, the port will increase its capacity, making Kerala a key logistics and trade node.
As it is a part of Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti initiatives, the seaport is well-connected to roads, railways, waterways and airways. Because of the seamless connectivity, it will drastically reduce turnaround time for ships and reduce logistics costs. Furthermore, it will improve supply chain efficiency for industries across the country.
It brings economic opportunities and job creation. A shipbuilding and repair cluster in nearby Kochi is underway. It will open thousands of employment avenues, especially for youth and local talent. The surge in maritime activity will also uplift allied sectors like tourism, MSMEs and fisheries.
Pamban Bridge: India’s first vertical lift sea bridge opens new paths of progress
The New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated in April 2025. It is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. It spans around 2.07 km across the Palk Strait and connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India. It has replaced the century-old 1914 cantilever bridge that had long served pilgrims and traders.
The bridge has been constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Its 72.5-metre navigational span can be lifted up to 17 metres, thus allowing larger vessels to pass beneath without disrupting rail movement. It has been built using corrosion-resistant stainless steel reinforcement, special polysiloxane coating and high-grade protective paint. Its lifespan is 100 years.
The new bridge is 3 metres taller than the old one. It features a substructure ready for double-track use. The advanced construction can withstand harsh marine weather, seismic activity and cyclones.
For the people of Tamil Nadu and pilgrims to Rameswaram, it guarantees faster, safer and uninterrupted travel. It also strengthens maritime navigation in the region, reducing dependency on ferry-based transport.
Atal Tunnel: India’s longest highway tunnel transforming Himalayan connectivity
The Atal Tunnel was inaugurated in October 2020. It is a marvel of modern engineering. It spans 9.02 km under the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it ensures all-weather connectivity between Manali and the remote Lahaul-Spiti valley. Earlier, it would be cut off from the mainland for around six months each year due to heavy snowfall.
The tunnel was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation. It reduced the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and reduced travel time by 4 to 5 hours. The South Portal lies 25 kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 metres, while the North Portal emerges near Sissu village at 3,071 metres.
It is a horse-shoe shaped, single-tube, double-lane structure with an 8-metre roadway and an overhead clearance of 5.525 metres. There is also a built-in emergency escape tunnel. It can support 3,000 cars and 1,500 trucks per day at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Through the Z-Morh Tunnel, all-weather access and tourism in Sonamarg is possible
The Z-Morh Tunnel is bi-directional and 6.5 km long with an approach road length of 5.6 km. The tunnel is a vital link between Gagangir in Ganderbal and Sonamarg. The tunnel has been built at an elevation of over 8,500 ft and provides an alternative to the Z-shaped portion of the road that is avalanche-prone and had rendered Sonamarg inaccessible in winter.
The tunnel is part of the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is going to be particularly important for connectivity in terms of facilitating access to Ladakh. In addition, the tunnel provides considerable strategic utility in terms of defence movement, logistical support and mobilisation. Importantly, roads also lead to economic growth and tourism in the Kashmir Valley.
The tunnel will allow Sonamarg to become a year-round tourist destination. The original project began in 2012 by the Border Roads Organisation but was subsequently transferred as a project to be completed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. The Z-Morh Tunnel was completed by APCO Infratech as a public-private partnership.
Atal Setu: India’s longest sea bridge enhances connectivity to Mumbai
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu was officially opened in January 2024. It is the longest bridge and the longest sea bridge in the country and connects a total of 21.8 KM, of which 16.5 KM are over the open sea, as the six-lane Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) bridges the 3.4 km between Sewri in Mumbai to Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai.
The bridge is a direct and reliable link for transport from South Mumbai to the mainland of India, reducing travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It improves the last-mile approach to Mumbai International Airport and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, while also reducing travel times to Pune, Goa and the southern India gateway.
The importance of this bridge is significant, considering it is an important link for cargo traffic between Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
With its size, geographical significance and engineering excellence, Atal Setu is more than just a bridge, it is emblematic of the ambition of modern India to build infrastructure that accommodates its growth.
India’s mega infrastructure projects are more than engineering milestones, they are instruments of national transformation. From connecting remote villages to reducing travel times and boosting trade, each bridge, tunnel and port reflects the country’s commitment to inclusive development. These initiatives not only enhance strategic readiness and economic integration but also bring everyday ease to citizens’ lives.
