India’s infrastructure has achieved another significant milestone with successful trial run on Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. This landmark accomplishment is part of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to connect Kashmir Valley with rest of India. With railway services expected to commence in January 2025, bridge is set to revolutionize transportation in region.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of trial run on social media platform X, showcasing project’s remarkable progress. trial’s success was further confirmed by Ministry of Railways, which described Anji Khad Bridge as a key component of USBRL project. Here’s an in-depth look at this engineering marvel and its implications for India’s rail network.
Anji Khad Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering
Completed last month, Anji Khad Bridge stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess. Key features of bridge include:
- Single Pylon Structure: bridge is supported by a single pylon that rises 331 meters above riverbed, ensuring stability and durability.
- Cable Support System: A total of 48 cables provide support to bridge’s lateral and central spans.
- Dimensions: bridge spans 473.25 meters, with a 120-meter-long viaduct and a central embankment of 94.25 meters.
- Height: Anji Khad Bridge is second-highest railway bridge in India, following Chenab Bridge, which holds world record for being tallest at 359 meters above riverbed.
Major Milestones of USBRL Project
USBRL project is one of most ambitious railway projects undertaken by Indian Railways. Spanning 272 kilometers, it aims to seamlessly connect northernmost region of India. Here’s a breakdown of its progress:
| Section | Status | Length (km) | Completion Timeline |
| Udhampur-Katra | Completed | 25 | Commissioned in 2014 |
| Banihal-Baramulla | Completed | 118 | Commissioned in 2013 |
| Katra-Reasi | Under final stages | 97 | Expected by December 2024 |
| Total Completed | As of now | 255 | – |
Significance of Anji Khad Bridge
Anji Khad Bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of connectivity and progress. Here’s why it stands out:
- Strategic Importance: Located in rugged terrain of Jammu & Kashmir, bridge provides a critical link in USBRL project.
- Boost to Local Economy: Once operational, bridge will enhance trade and tourism in region, providing a much-needed economic boost.
- Improved Accessibility: bridge’s completion will ensure year-round connectivity to Kashmir Valley, overcoming challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.
Union Railway Minister Highlights Achievement
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s post on X brought nationwide attention to success of trial run. He shared a video showcasing tower wagon’s smooth operation across Anji Khad Bridge, emphasizing project’s progress. video has since garnered widespread acclaim, underlining bridge’s significance as a milestone in India’s railway development.
Upcoming Milestones: Vande Bharat Train to Connect Kashmir
In a related announcement, Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Vande Bharat train connecting Kashmir to New Delhi in January 2025. This train will further enhance connectivity and convenience for travelers, making Kashmir Valley more accessible.
Challenges and Solutions in Constructing Anji Khad Bridge
Building Anji Khad Bridge in challenging terrain of Jammu & Kashmir required overcoming numerous hurdles:
- Difficult Terrain: bridge’s location demanded innovative engineering solutions to ensure stability and durability.
- Adverse Weather: region’s unpredictable weather posed additional challenges during construction.
- Technological Innovations: Advanced technology and meticulous planning were employed to complete bridge successfully.
Impact on Regional Development
successful completion of Anji Khad Bridge and USBRL project will have far-reaching effects on region:
- Tourism Growth: Improved connectivity will boost tourism, allowing more visitors to explore scenic beauty of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Economic Development: Enhanced transportation infrastructure will facilitate trade, benefiting local businesses and farmers.
- Social Integration: rail link will bring Kashmir Valley closer to rest of India, fostering a sense of unity and integration.
Technical Specifications of Anji Khad Bridge
| Feature | Specification |
| Bridge Type | Cable-Stayed |
| Pylon Height | 331 meters above riverbed |
| Total Length | 473.25 meters |
| Cable Support | 48 cables |
| Viaduct Length | 120 meters |
| Central Embankment | 94.25 meters |
Future Prospects
Anji Khad Bridge sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects in India. Its success demonstrates country’s ability to execute complex engineering feats, paving way for similar initiatives in challenging terrains.
Conclusion
trial run on Anji Khad Bridge marks a historic achievement for Indian Railways and nation as a whole. As USBRL project nears completion, bridge stands as a symbol of progress, resilience, and innovation. With upcoming launch of Vande Bharat train in January 2025, dream of seamless connectivity to Kashmir Valley is set to become a reality.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. details provided are based on official announcements and publicly available information as of 26 Dec 2024. Readers are advised to verify updates from official sources for latest developments.
