Anji Khad Rail Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Bridge

January 8, 2025

The Anji Khad Rail Bridge, located in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. It is part of the ambitious Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project. This project aims to enhance connectivity in the region, which is crucial for both economic development and tourism.

Overview of the Anji Khad Bridge

The bridge spans a total length of 725.5 metres.
It features a single main pylon that rises to 193 metres above the foundation, making it an impressive sight.
The bridge connects Katra and Reasi, facilitating easier travel between these two locations.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

Constructing the bridge posed numerous challenges due to the region’s complex geological features. The site is characterised by faults, folds, and seismic activity. To address these issues, detailed investigations were conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) at Roorkee and Delhi. A hybrid foundation was employed at the Katra end to stabilise the slopes, ensuring the bridge’s structural integrity.

Structural Specifications

The bridge consists of four main sections. It includes a 120-metre ancillary viaduct on the Reasi side and a 38-metre approach bridge on the Katra end. The main cable-stayed portion measures 473.25 metres, while the central embankment is 94.25 metres long. The total deck width is 15 metres, accommodating a single railway line, a service road, and footpaths.

Advanced Construction Techniques

Innovative construction methods were employed to enhance safety and efficiency. Techniques such as DOKA Jump form shuttering and pump concreting systems reduced construction time by approximately 30%. A state-of-the-art tower crane, imported from Spain, was utilised to facilitate construction at heights of up to 193 metres.

Safety and Monitoring Systems

The bridge incorporates an integrated monitoring system with numerous sensors installed throughout its structure. These sensors monitor the bridge’s health during its service life, ensuring safety for users. The design also considers extreme weather conditions, with a wind speed tolerance of up to 213 km/h

USBML stands for Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Link.
ITALFERR is affiliated with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.
The main pylon stands at 331 metres above the riverbed.
The bridge’s design speed is 100 km/h.
Micro piles of 40-metre depth were used in construction.

Future Impact on Connectivity

The Anji Khad Rail Bridge is poised to enhance transportation in Jammu and Kashmir. It will improve access to the Kashmir Valley and promote tourism, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth. The completion of this bridge marks a very important moment in India’s infrastructure development.

Key Facts about the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project:

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project seeks to connect Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railways network.
It aims to integrate Kashmir with the rest of India and boost development in the region.
It was declared as National Project in 2002.
This project, spanning 272 km, includes the longest transportation tunnel in India (T-49), measuring 12.75 km.
It features the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, which measures 1,315 m in length.

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