Jammu & Kashmir: The Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has played a pivotal role in the construction of the world’s tallest railway bridge over the Chenab River by supplying a total of 16,000 tonnes of steel, a significant contribution to one of India’s landmark infrastructure projects. The Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) alone contributed 12,000 tonnes of this steel, officials confirmed on Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Landmark Projects in Kashmir
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first train service to the Kashmir Valley and inaugurated several development projects, including the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and India’s first cable-stayed arch bridge. These projects symbolize a major step forward in connecting and developing the region.
Steel Contribution: Plates, TMT Bars, and Structural Steel
A Bhilai Steel Plant official stated, “The steel supplied by BSP and other SAIL plants includes plates, TMT bars, and structural steel, vital components that ensured the strength and durability of this engineering marvel. This is a proud moment for SAIL and BSP.”
Engineering Marvel: Taller than the Eiffel Tower
The 1.3-kilometre-long Chenab railway bridge towers 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Designed to withstand extreme weather and natural calamities, the bridge can endure wind speeds of up to 266 kmph and earthquakes of the highest intensity, showcasing advanced engineering and design.
Breakdown of Steel Supplied by SAIL Plants
- Total steel supplied: 16,000 tonnes
- TMT products: 6,690 tonnes
- Structural steel: 1,793 tonnes
- Steel plates, hot strip mill products, chequered plates: 7,511 tonnes
The Bhilai Steel Plant supplied 12,432 tonnes, including 5,922 tonnes of TMT steel, 6,454 tonnes of plates, and 56 tonnes of structural steel. The rest of the steel was sourced from other SAIL plants such as IISCO Steel Plant (Burnpur), Durgapur Steel Plant, Rourkela Steel Plant, and Bokaro Steel Ltd.
A Testament to India’s Industrial and Engineering Prowess
The successful supply and deployment of steel by SAIL underline India’s growing capabilities in heavy industries and infrastructure development. The Chenab bridge project is not just an infrastructural achievement but also a symbol of resilience and progress for the region.
