The world's highest railway bridge over river Chenab in the Reasi district of Jammu was decorated with 'Colors of India' to mark the completion of the 'golden joint' by a spirited team of railway engineers on Saturday. After completing the work on the 'golden joint', using the HSFG (high strength friction grip) bolts the Indian railways has come one step closer to connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country via rail network.
Golden Joint is the last joint of the bridge deck, which connects both sides of the deck to make this into one continuous deck.The Indian railways is now expected to complete the work of laying track by the end of this year.
After completing the work on the arch of the 1.315 metre long highest railway bridge, which is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel tower in Paris, the deck work was launched from the Bakkal & Kouri sides of the bridge last year.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Indian railways, "It is the most important joint because this joint not only connects both sides of the deck but also proves the quality and precision of work done by different teams of engineers and workers engaged in construction of the bridge".
The complete ceremony was witnessed by the Chairman and MD, Konkan Railways Limited Sanjay Gupta along with a large team of senior engineers and technical staff. As the work on the golden joint was launched, chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoed in the high hills.
Fluttering tricolors all over the deck added colors to the patriotic atmosphere ahead of the 75 Independence day celebrations.
Speaking to media persons Sanjay Gupta said, “This has been a long journey. The term ‘Golden Joint’ was coined by civil engineers… It’s the world’s highest railway bridge.”
“We can confidently state that the bridge would be roughly 98 percent complete after the golden joint is finished,” said Giridhar Rajagopalan, Deputy Managing Director of Afcons.