November 1, 2024 : Reports have emerged that Pakistan’s intelligence agency is gathering information on the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly at the behest of its Chinese counterparts. Sources disclosed to India Today that this activity underscores the strategic significance of the bridge, which recently began trial operations.

The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the tallest railway bridge in the world, connects the Reasi and Ramban districts and is a crucial part of a larger 272-kilometer railway project designed to enhance connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. This infrastructure initiative is particularly vital as the region often experiences travel disruptions due to heavy winter snowfall, which can block the main highways.

The completion of the bridge, which took over two decades, marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to improve access to the Kashmir valley. However, no definitive timeline for the entire railway project has been established.

Sources suggest that both Pakistani and Chinese intelligence agencies have been involved in collecting vital information about the bridge, indicating a heightened interest in the region's strategic developments. The Chenab Bridge is expected to bolster India's position along a border area that has historically been fraught with tension between India and Pakistan.

As part of a broader effort to enhance regional infrastructure, the Chenab Bridge is set to play a pivotal role in the implementation of over 50 related projects, including highways, railways, and power initiatives, promising a significant uplift for the Himalayan region of Kashmir.