Indian Railways on 25th December successfully conducted a trial run of a tower wagon on the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. This milestone highlights the progress in enhancing railway connectivity in the region, with full services expected to commence by January 2025.
Key Features of the Anji Khad Bridge:
- Engineering Marvel:
- The bridge features a single pylon rising 331 metres above the riverbed.
- It is supported by 48 cables, providing stability and strength.
- The total length of the bridge is 473.25 metres, including:
- A 120-metre viaduct.
- A 94.25-metre central embankment.
- Ranking and Location:
- The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s second-highest railway bridge, surpassed only by the Chenab Bridge, which holds the world record at 359 metres above the riverbed.
- It crosses the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River, and connects the Katra and Reasi sections of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
- Significance:
- The bridge is a testament to modern engineering and is crucial for improving connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Once operational, it will bolster economic development and accessibility in the region.
Historical Context:
- The USBRL project is a strategic and ambitious railway endeavor aimed at connecting Jammu to Srinagar and beyond, fostering integration and development.
- The Anji Khad Bridge is a critical component of this project, designed to address challenging terrain and geographical constraints.
