By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 21: Whilst the spotlight shines on the iconic Chenab Bridge, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project features another engineering marvel—the Anji Khad Bridge.
The Anji Khad Bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge on Indian Railways, connecting Katra and Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir. Situated in the young fold mountains of the Himalayas, the bridge is a testament to engineering excellence amidst challenging geological conditions, including faults, folds, thrusts, and seismic activity.
This architectural wonder is supported by 96 cables, varying in length from 82 to 295 metres and weighing a total of 849 metric tonnes. The combined running length of these cables is an impressive 653 kilometres. The bridge’s construction required 8,215 metric tonnes of structural steel.
The bridge spans a total length of 725 metres. Its main span measures 473.25 metres, comprising segments of 290m, 80m, 75m, and 28.25m. An ancillary viaduct extends 120 metres, while a 38-metre approach bridge lies on the Katra side. Additionally, a 94.25-metre central embankment was built to facilitate the fabrication workshop and the launching of the superstructure. The total deck width of the bridge is 15 metres.
The structure stands at a height of 331 metres above the riverbed, centred on a single, 193-metre-high pylon with a 40-metre-deep hybrid foundation. The asymmetric cable-stayed design reflects the innovative engineering solutions employed to address spatial constraints at the Katra end, resulting in most of the construction being carried out on the Srinagar side.
The bridge is ready for inauguration, with officials at the site confirming to The Shillong Times its capacity to accommodate trains travelling at speeds of up to 110 km/h.
Furthermore, it is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h, ensuring safety and stability. This landmark structure is poised to become a crucial link in connecting Jammu and Kashmir under the USBRL Project.