In Jammu and Kashmir, the highest rail bridge in the world under construction is being built over which river?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Chenab

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

Modern infrastructure projects are often asked in general knowledge examinations, especially when they break world records. In the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, India has undertaken a major engineering project to build the highest rail bridge in the world as part of a railway line connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the railway network. Knowing which river this bridge crosses combines current affairs with Indian geography and transport awareness.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The bridge in question is in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is frequently described as the highest railway bridge in the world once completed.
  • The options list four major rivers of northern India: Chenab, Jhelum, Indus, and Ravi.
  • We assume familiarity with the famous Chenab rail bridge project in this region.


Concept / Approach:

The key point is that the celebrated rail bridge is the Chenab Bridge, which spans a deep gorge of the Chenab River in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project forms part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla rail link. Although the Jhelum, Indus, and Ravi rivers also flow through or near parts of the wider region, the world record height rail bridge most widely publicised in news and exam guides is associated specifically with the Chenab River.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall news reports and geography notes which mention the Chenab Bridge as the highest rail bridge in the world. Step 2: Note that it is part of the railway line aiming to connect Jammu with Srinagar through challenging mountainous terrain. Step 3: Recognise that the name itself, Chenab Bridge, indicates that it spans the Chenab River. Step 4: Compare this with the other river options, none of which are mentioned in connection with a record breaking rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. Step 5: Select Chenab as the correct river over which the highest rail bridge is being constructed.


Verification / Alternative check:

Details in government project summaries and standard current affairs compilations identify the bridge as the Chenab Bridge. They describe its arch, height above riverbed, and location between the stations of Bakkal and Kauri. These documents clearly state that the bridge crosses the Chenab River. While other rivers like the Jhelum also play important roles in the valley's geography, they are not associated with this particular superstructure.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Jhelum: This river flows through the Kashmir Valley and passes through Srinagar, but there is no world record height rail bridge over it. Indus: The Indus flows much further to the north and north west; major Indian rail bridge projects in Jammu and Kashmir are not associated with the Indus in this context. Ravi: Although Ravi is one of the five rivers of Punjab, the record breaking rail bridge under discussion is not built over it.


Common Pitfalls:

Because many Himalayan rivers are mentioned in maps and news, some learners vaguely recall a northern river name and guess incorrectly. Mixing up the Chenab with the Jhelum is especially common because both are prominent in Jammu and Kashmir. A reliable strategy is to fix the name pair in memory: the highest rail bridge is called the Chenab Bridge, and therefore it must cross the Chenab River.


Final Answer:

The world record height rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is being built over the Chenab River.

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