The much-anticipated Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, has been successfully completed by the Indian Railways in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. As part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, the bridge will significantly improve regional connectivity and boost economic growth.
Design and Construction Efforts Yield Excellent Results
Stretching 725.5 meters, the bridge boasts a 193-meter-tall main pylon, soaring an impressive 331 meters above the riverbed. Its robust design enables it to withstand intense wind speeds of up to 213 km/h and support train operations at speeds of 100 km/h. The collaboration with IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi ensured that the bridge’s stability was a top priority, accounting for seismic activity and fragile rock formations
Four Distinct Sections Ensure Safety and Efficiency
The bridge comprises four essential sections: a 120-meter approach viaduct on the Reasi side, a 38-meter approach bridge on the Katra side, a 473.25-meter cable-stayed segment spanning the valley, and a 94.25-meter central embankment connecting the main structure to the viaduct. Advanced construction methods and specialized equipment, such as a Spanish-imported tower crane, enabled a significant reduction in construction time by 30 percent.
Integrated Monitoring System and Italian Supervision Pave the Way for Success
An integrated monitoring system with sensors, combined with a hybrid foundation to stabilize the slopes, ensured the bridge’s structural health during operations. The project’s design and supervision were handled by Italian firm ITALFERR, with proof-checking by UK-based COWI, harmonizing Indian engineering codes with Eurocodes for the bridge’s design. This collaboration embodies the best practices in global engineering.
**Future of Regional Connectivity**
Paving the Way for Enhanced Tourism, Economic Growth, and Improved Transportation
Once operational, the Anji Khad Bridge will transform Jammu and Kashmir’s connectivity, fostering growth, and prosperity. With enhanced tourism and stimulation of economic activity, the region can look forward to a brighter future. The section is reportedly ready for operations, pending a final inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
