December 11, 2025: The year 2025 marked a turning point in global infrastructure, with several long-awaited engineering marvels finally completed. From iconic bridges to state-of-the-art airports and cultural landmarks, these projects showcased new benchmarks in scale, design, and connectivity. Here are the top five achievements of the year.
Chenab Bridge
In June, India inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway bridge. Standing 359 metres above the river—making it taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 times and nearly five times the height of the Qutub Minar—the 1.31-km bridge forms a crucial link in the 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL). Constructed with 28,660 megatonnes of steel, it is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures ranging from sub-zero to 40°C.
Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge
China unveiled the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province on September 28. Rising 2,050 feet above the Beipan River, it is now the world’s tallest bridge. Beyond its record-setting height, the structure drastically reduces travel time across the canyon—from two hours to just two minutes.
Grand Egyptian Museum
November saw the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. Spanning 50 hectares, it is considered the largest museum on the planet, housing more than 1,00,000 artefacts. A major highlight is the complete display of the treasures from Tutankhamun’s intact tomb, showcased together for the first time since their discovery in 1922.
Navi Mumbai International Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport on October 8. Set to begin commercial operations on December 25 with 23 daily departures, the airport’s architecture features 12 lotus-inspired sculptural columns and 17 mega columns supporting its signature roof. It also houses India’s largest aircraft MRO facilities.
New Pamban Bridge
India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, was inaugurated in April. Stretching 2.07 km, it connects Rameswaram Island to Mandapam and includes a 72.5-metre span that can be raised to 17 metres, allowing ships to pass safely beneath.
Source: NDTV
