The Indian Railways has unveiled a monumental engineering achievement with the completion of the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. Situated in the challenging terrain of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir, this bridge is a key component of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project.
Stretching 725.5 meters in length, the Anji Khad Bridge stands as a testament to cutting-edge engineering and innovation. Connecting Katra and Reasi, the bridge rises 331 meters above the riverbed, with its single main pylon towering 193 meters from its foundation. Its asymmetrical design, supported by 96 cables varying in length from 82 to 295 meters, ensures stability amidst the region’s complex geological and seismic challenges.
According to Sandeep Gupta, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the USBRL project, the bridge is divided into four sections, including a 473.25-meter cable-stayed span crossing a deep valley and a 120-meter ancillary viaduct on the Reasi side. The bridge also features a single railway line, a 3.75-meter-wide service road, and 1.5-meter-wide footpaths on both sides, withstanding wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.
Designed for speeds of 100 km/h, the bridge integrates state-of-the-art construction techniques and advanced equipment, such as the DOKA jump form shuttering system and a 40-tonne tower crane imported from Spain. These innovations enhanced safety and efficiency, reducing construction time by approximately 30%.
The Anji Khad Bridge is equipped with an integrated monitoring system, featuring numerous sensors to ensure structural health during its service life. Its design, combining Indian codes with Eurocodes, underwent rigorous proof-checking by international firms like COWI (UK) and ITALFERR (Italy), further emphasizing its global standards.
This engineering marvel is poised to revolutionize connectivity between Katra and the Kashmir Valley, offering a significant boost to tourism and economic growth in the region. The completion of the Anji Khad Bridge symbolizes not just an infrastructural milestone but a step forward in enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
(Inputs from ANI)
