In a landmark achievement for India’s rail infrastructure, the Indian Railways conducted its first successful loaded train trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This structure holds the distinction of being India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, representing a blend of cutting-edge engineering and national strategic importance.
The trial was conducted on 28 December 2024 and was shared by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the platform X (formerly Twitter), generating significant national attention. The bridge is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to integrate the Kashmir Valley more firmly into India’s national railway network. Passenger and freight operations are expected to commence by January 2025.
Engineering Marvel in the Himalayas
- Cable-Stayed Design: The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first rail bridge to use a cable-stayed design, necessitated by the difficult geological conditions and deep gorges in the area.
- Pylon Height: The bridge features a 331-meter-high pylon, anchoring 48 stay cables that support the bridge’s central and side spans.
- Total Span: The bridge stretches 473.25 meters, with a 120-meter-long viaduct and a 94.25-meter embankment, making it not only structurally significant but also essential for regional accessibility.
- Second-Highest in India: At this height, it stands as India’s second-highest railway bridge, following the Chenab Bridge (also part of the USBRL project), which is the highest railway bridge in the world.
Why Anji Khad Bridge Is a Strategic Game-Changer
- Bridging Kashmir with India: It serves as a critical link in the USBRL project, finally providing all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley — a long-pending dream for the region.
- Challenging Terrain: The terrain between Katra and Banihal is one of the toughest railway stretches in the world, involving tunnels, steep gorges, and seismic sensitivity. The Anji Khad Bridge is a solution to navigating this geography.
- Boost to Defense Logistics: With improved connectivity, military and strategic mobility in the region will be significantly enhanced.
- Tourism & Economy: It is expected to open up new opportunities in tourism, real estate, and local commerce by facilitating faster, cheaper, and safer travel.
- Construction Challenges: Building this bridge involved cutting-edge geotechnical studies, wind tunnel testing, and a modular construction approach — making it a case study for future high-altitude rail bridges.
About the USBRL Project
- Total Length: The USBRL stretches over 272 kilometers, with more than 90% of the alignment covered by tunnels and bridges.
- Major Bridges: Includes the Chenab Bridge, Anji Khad Bridge, and numerous other smaller bridges and tunnels.
- Tunnel Complex: The project includes India’s longest transportation tunnel (T-49) spanning over 12.75 km.
- Economic Impact: Once operational, the rail link will drastically reduce travel time and increase economic participation from remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Quotes & Reactions
Engineers on Site: “Constructing this bridge in such a hostile and seismically sensitive zone required advanced technology, high-altitude safety measures, and an unwavering commitment.”
Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railway Minister): “The successful trial run is a historic achievement. This engineering marvel brings us closer to delivering rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.”
