The Anji Khad Rail Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, has been completed in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s part of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, which aims to improve transportation in the region.
Here's a simplified explanation:
What is the Anji Khad Bridge? A new type of railway bridge in India, supported by cables.
Where is it located? In the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the USBRL project? A large project to connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India's railway network.
Why is this bridge important? It will make travel easier and boost the economy and tourism in the region.
Key features of the Anji Khad Bridge:
Total Length: 725.5 meters.
Pylon Height: 193 meters above the foundation (the main supporting tower).
Connects: Katra and Reasi.
Sections: It has four main parts: a short viaduct on one side, a short approach bridge on the other, the main cable-stayed section, and a central embankment.
Deck Width: 15 meters (wide enough for one railway line, a service road, and walkways).
What were the challenges in building the bridge?
Difficult geology (faults, folds, and earthquake risk).
How were these challenges overcome?
Detailed studies by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi.
Special foundations to stabilize the slopes.
What special construction methods were used?
Special formwork and concrete pumping systems to speed up construction.
A very tall crane imported from Spain.
What safety measures are in place?
Sensors to monitor the bridge's condition.
Designed to withstand strong winds (up to 213 km/h).
Key Terms/Projects:
USBRL: Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
ITALFERR: An Italian engineering company.
Chenab Bridge: Another bridge on the USBRL project; it is the world’s highest railway bridge.
Key Facts about the USBRL Project:
Connects the Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railways network.
Aims to integrate Kashmir with the rest of India and improve development.
Declared a National Project in 2002.
272 km long.
Includes India’s longest transportation tunnel (T-49), which is 12.75 km long.
Includes the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge (1,315 m long).
What will be the impact of the bridge? It will improve transportation and boost the economy and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
In simple terms: A new, special type of railway bridge has been built in Jammu and Kashmir.
It’s the first of its kind in India and is part of a larger project to better connect the region to the rest of the country. The bridge was difficult to build because of the challenging terrain, but engineers used innovative techniques to overcome these challenges. The bridge will make travel easier and help the local economy