Pak collecting information on J&K's Chenab Bridge at China's behest: Sources

Trials recently began on the Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway bridge, which is expected to enhance connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.

In Short

• Chenab Bridge, world's tallest, aims to boost J&K connectivity
• Bridge has been in the making for over 20 years
• Road to Kashmir often blocked in winter; bridge to aid seamless travel

Pakistan’s intelligence agency, under direction from Chinese counterparts, has been collecting information about Jammu and Kashmir's Chenab Bridge, a railway bridge linking the Reasi and Ramban districts, sources told India Today.

The Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, recently began trials and is expected to enhance connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.

According to the sources, important information about the bridge has been collected by both Pakistani and Chinese intelligence agencies.

It took over 20 years for the government to finish the bridge in Jammu's Reasi district. It is a part of a 272 kilometre all-weather railway section that will go through Jammu, with its final destination being the Kashmir valley. However, there is no deadline for the completion of the project. At present, the road connecting Kashmir to the rest of the country is often cut off during winter as heavy snowfall leads to blockades on the highway.

With the Chenab Bridge, India will gain a strategic advantage along the disturbed border region.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir, long a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, is set to receive a major infrastructure boost with a new railway line that is part of over 50 highways, railway, and power projects.

Since independence, both India and Pakistan have fought war twice over Kashmir, with each claiming the territory in full but controlling only parts.

An armed insurgency in Kashmir since 1989 has taken thousands of lives and drawn a heavy military presence.