Engineering Marvel in the Himalayas
Anji Khad Rail Bridge: India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Marvel in Jammu & Kashmir : The Anji Khad Rail Bridge, located in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, and a standout component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. With a total length of 725.5 meters, it connects Katra to Reasi, crossing deep gorges and challenging Himalayan terrain. A single 193-meter-tall pylon, rising 331 meters above the riverbed, anchors the bridge — making it a visual and engineering landmark.
Innovations and Challenges in High-Risk Terrain
Building in a geologically active zone wasn’t easy. The area is prone to seismic tremors, landslides, and fault lines. To ensure structural safety, advanced geotechnical studies were conducted by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi. Engineers implemented micro-pile foundations, hybrid anchoring systems, and deployed cutting-edge construction tools like the DOKA Jump Form Shuttering System and Pump Concreting, cutting construction time by 30%. A tower crane from Spain lifted materials to the top of the massive pylon.
Designed for Strength, Safety, and Speed
The bridge supports a single rail track, a service road, and footpaths, built to withstand speeds up to 100 km/h. Safety was prioritized with a sensor-based structural health monitoring system to track wind loads, stress, and vibrations. The bridge can endure wind speeds up to 213 km/h, ensuring it remains stable even during extreme weather — crucial for its location in a mountainous, wind-prone region.
Transforming Connectivity in J&K
Once operational, the bridge will reduce travel time between Katra and the Kashmir Valley, improving civilian mobility, military logistics, and economic exchange. It will enhance tourism, support local artisans and farmers, and foster regional development. As part of the broader USBRL project, the bridge will bring Jammu & Kashmir closer to the rest of India — both literally and symbolically.
Part of the USBRL Mega Project
The USBRL, declared a National Project in 2002, spans 272 km and features other feats like:
- Tunnel T-49, India’s longest transport tunnel (12.75 km)
- Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge (359 meters above the river)
Together, these create a modern rail corridor through one of India’s most inaccessible regions.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Feature | Details |
| Bridge Name | Anji Khad Rail Bridge |
| Location | Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Total Length | 725.5 meters |
| Main Pylon Height | 193 meters (331 meters above riverbed) |
| Bridge Type | Cable-stayed railway bridge |
| Deck Width | 15 meters |
| Max Speed Supported | 100 km/h |
| Construction Techniques | DOKA Jump Form, Pump Concreting, Spanish Tower Crane |
| Monitoring | Sensor-based structural health system |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 213 km/h |
| USBRL Tunnel T-49 | 12.75 km (India’s longest transport tunnel) |
| Chenab Rail Bridge | World’s highest railway bridge at 359 meters above the river |
