According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Railways, “The Arch closure was one of the most difficult parts of the bridge over Chenab and its completion is a major leap towards the completion of the 111 km-long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal.”
“At present, it takes 12 hours via road (Katra-Banihal), but after completion of the bridge, distance via train would be halved,” Northern Railway general manager Ashutosh Gangal said.
The last, 5.6-meter piece of metal was fitted at the highest point and joined the two arms of the arch that currently stretch towards each other from both the banks of the Chenab River.