NEWS – The Anji Khad Bridge is a landmark in Indian Railways’ engineering history, being the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Location: Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 80 km from Jammu.
• Project: Part of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.

Key Features

• Structural Specifications:
  • Length: Total span of 725.5 meters.
  • Main Pylon: Stands at 193 meters above its foundation and 331 meters above the riverbed.
  • Segments: Includes a 120-meter approach viaduct (Reasi side), a 38-meter approach bridge (Katra end), a 473.25-meter cable-stayed portion, and a 94.25-meter central embankment.
• Wind and Speed Resistance:
  • Designed to withstand wind speeds up to 213 km/h.
  • Safe for trains running at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Engineering and Construction Challenges

• Geological Terrain: Located in the challenging Himalayan mountains, marked by seismic activity and fragile geological formations.
• Site Investigations: Detailed assessments conducted by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi to ensure safe and stable construction.

Innovative Techniques:

• Cables: Equipped with 96 cables varying in length (82–295 meters).
• Hybrid Foundation: Stabilizes mountain slopes at the Katra end.
• Construction Systems: Utilized DOKA Jump form shuttering, pump concreting systems, and advanced tower cranes from Spain (40-ton capacity, extendable up to 205 meters).

Safety and Monitoring:

• Integrated monitoring system with sensors to ensure structural health and operational safety.

International Collaboration

• Design Supervision: Managed by ITALFERR (Italy), part of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group.
• Proof-Checking: Performed by COWI, a UK-based engineering consultancy.
• Code Integration: Combined Indian engineering codes with Eurocodes where applicable.

Impact on Jammu and Kashmir

• Connectivity:
  • Bridges the gap between Katra and Reasi, significantly improving links between the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley.
• Tourism and Economy:
  • Expected to boost tourism and drive local economic growth by improving access and infrastructure.
• Operational Readiness:

The bridge is ready for use, pending final inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).