Anji Khad Bridge completes India's first cable-stayed rail connection

In India, a notable engineering achievement has been completed with the unveiling of the Anji Khad Bridge, the first cable-stayed rail bridge in the country. Located in the challenging landscape of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, this bridge is a significant part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project. At 725.5 meters long and rising 331 meters above the riverbed, the bridge is designed to withstand the complex geological and seismic challenges of the region. Its primary pylon reaches a height of 193 meters, providing not only structural support but also a striking visual feature in the landscape. One of the engineering highlights is its asymmetrical design, characterized by the use of 96 cables of varying lengths which contribute to the bridge’s stability. The bridge's construction was meticulously divided into four sections. Among them, a significant 473.25-meter cable-stayed span crosses over a deep valley, complemented by a shorter 120-meter ancillary viaduct on the Reasi side. The design includes a single railway line flanked by a 3.75-meter-wide service road and 1.5-meter-wide footpaths on either side, ensuring safety and accessibility for travelers. Notably, this engineering project has been built to endure wind speeds of up to 213 km/h while accommodating train speeds of 100 km/h. Cutting-edge construction techniques were employed, such as the DOKA jump form shuttering system and the utilization of a specialized 40-tonne tower crane imported from Spain, resulting in a safety and efficiency boost that reduced construction time by approximately 30%. Additionally, the Anji Khad Bridge incorporates an integrated monitoring system equipped with advanced sensors to ensure its structural integrity throughout its operational lifespan. This monitoring capability reflects a growing trend in engineering where maintenance and safety are prioritized during construction planning. As a result, the completion of this bridge is poised to greatly enhance rail connectivity between Katra and the Kashmir Valley, promising significant economic and tourism-related benefits for the region. The Anji Khad Bridge stands not only as an infrastructural milestone but also signifies a transformative step towards improving the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. As the railway network expands through formidable terrains, it represents an enduring commitment to connect remote areas of the country and boost local economies, appealing to both commuters and tourists alike.